Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has demanded explanations for the persisting water supply issues at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), despite allocating RM3 million last year to address the problem.
Expressing concern during the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly, Anwar stated, “Last year when I visited there, I approved RM3 million. I’m not sure, maybe the implementation takes time, but I want to get a report, maybe from the secretary-general, maybe the Pantau Madani unit can also help to ask what happened since my approval, and actions taken by the ministry and the university to implement.”
In his capacity as the finance minister, Anwar instructed relevant departments to obtain comprehensive reports from both the university and the Ministry of Higher Education.
Anwar emphasised the urgency of resolving such problems promptly. He added, “For some people, this is a small problem, but if the student is facing a water problem, it should worry us. Such things need to be overcome. I don’t want to punish, like some preachers, I just want to ask for a thorough report, what happened since the finance minister approved the immediate allocation to overcome the water problem at the university.”
Media outlets reported yesterday that Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir was met by upset UMS students holding placards saying “Kami belum mandi (We have not showered)” during his visit to the university.
Despite the deployment of state water department tankers to the campus, these were reportedly insufficient to supply all residents. On the same day, the ministry announced an additional allocation of RM2 million to the university to address the water supply issue.
