Tawau water plant resumes operations after two-week disruption, but residents face longer wait for stable supply

Residents in Tawau have been advised to conserve water as supply restoration continues following the partial restart of the Utara Water Treatment Plant. — Bernama pic

First Published: Wednesday, 28 Oct 2026 11:02 AM MYT

TAWAU, Oct 28 — The Utara Water Treatment Plant (LRA) here began operations in stages on Monday following an improvement in raw water quality.

The Tawau Water Department said the plant’s operations and water supply situation would be monitored from time to time.

“Consumers are advised to use water prudently while restoration efforts continue. Water supply may take time to stabilise, depending on the distribution system and the respective areas,” it said in a post on Facebook yesterday.

The department also apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked consumers for their patience and cooperation.

Meanwhile, Sabah Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan said Sabah Public Works and Utilities Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Ridhwan Linus visited the Utara Water Treatment Plant to assess the current situation and receive a detailed briefing on the water supply disruption in the affected areas.

“The visit reflects the Sabah Government’s commitment and determination to ensure that water supply issues are given serious attention and addressed through more efficient, systematic and effective coordination.

“I was also informed that the Sabah Water Department will increase the number of water tankers to strengthen water delivery operations to residents in affected areas.

Hopefully, this will ease the public’s difficulties while more comprehensive solutions are being implemented,” he said.

Nizam, who is also Apas assemblyman, said close cooperation among ministries, departments and related agencies was crucial to ensuring all measures could be carried out promptly and orderly, with a positive impact on community well-being.

“It is my sincere hope that these efforts and follow-up measures will accelerate the resolution of the water supply issue in Tawau, for the comfort and well-being of all its residents,” he added.

On Wednesday (October 21), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor directed that immediate action be taken to assist affected residents after the water supply problem in Tawau was raised at the Sabah Cabinet meeting.

The water shortage in Tawau over the past two weeks was caused by dry weather and low rainfall, as well as raw water contamination that disrupted the plant’s operations. — Daily Express