PM to look into UMS students' water woes

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today said that he has requested a report regarding the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) water shortage issues.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said that he is not keen on punishing any party until he has received a report on the matter.

“Last year, when I visited there, I approved an allocation of RM3 million.

“I am not sure; maybe it takes time to implement (it).

“But I want a report, maybe from the secretary-general of the relevant ministry, to help ask what happened since my approval (of the allocation) and actions taken by the ministry and university for the implementation,” he said in his monthly address to the Finance Ministry in Putrajaya this morning.

Yesterday, Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir was greeted by student protestors at UMS, who reportedly sang “kami belum mandi” (we haven't bathed).

Zambry then allocated RM2 million to address the students’ water woes, which is in addition to Anwar’s allocation of RM3 million last May for the same issue.

Meanwhile, Anwar said that the issue may be of little importance to many but should be regarded as worrying.

“So, I am worried about this matter.

“There is a real gap between the planners, the managers, and the implementation below them,” he said.

Bernama reported that Zambry’s additional allocation would be used to install water pumps and to engage experts to find alternative water sources for a long-term solution.

At present, water tankers from the state water department are being sent to the campus regularly, but that supply did not adequately meet the demand from residents.

UMS gets RM2m for water woes after Zambry greeted by 'smelly' tune

Penang Water Corp readies 99 tankers for affected users

Penang water issue: Traders reminded not to hike prices of containers, mineral water

Span: Water tariff review to ensure sustainability, not profit

Water disruption: Penang prepares 10 jumbo water tanks in each district

Penang water disruption: Supply to be fully restored today