The federal government has committed RM1 million to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) for a short-term water system intervention plan, following mounting pressure from students who have endured prolonged water supply issues on campus.
This announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Dato’ Sri Fadillah Yusof, during a visit to UMS under the PETRA Skuad programme.
The intervention plan, executed jointly by the Ministry, the Department of Water Supply (JBA) and UMS, will directly benefit more than 3,000 students, particularly those residing in Kolej Kediaman Tun Mustapha and Kolej Kediaman Tun Fuad, the most affected blocks.
Among the immediate measures are the construction of a dedicated distribution channel linking UMS’s underground water source, the addition of 130,000 litres in underground storage and the installation of automated modulating valves to stabilise water levels in the campus service tank.
To address the ongoing low pressure in hostels, JBA will install in-line booster pumps via existing bypass pipes. The works are expected to be completed within a month.
The federal government also acknowledged the support of the Sabah State Government, the Ministry of Higher Education, UMS management, JANS and other technical agencies involved.
Reaffirming its commitment under the Malaysia MADANI framework, the government said student welfare remains a top priority and that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure sustainable and uninterrupted access to water for campus communities.
Water disruptions at UMS have persisted since the first official water disruption notice on Oct 11, 2023, leading to growing frustration among students. In June 2024, around 50 students marched from campus to the Sabah Chief Minister’s Office, carrying placards that read “Kami Mahu Air” (We Want Water), demanding a permanent solution.
The issue gained renewed attention during the Gempur Rasuah Sabah 2.0 protest in June 2025, which called out both corruption and ongoing infrastructure failures, including the unresolved water crisis.
