KOTA KINABALU (Nov 1): The water supply woes affecting residents in Papar are being systematically addressed through two major infrastructure projects, the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase 2 and the alternative raw water intake at Kampung Kabang, both of which are progressing steadily, said Papar Member of Parliament Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said while critics have accused the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) government of failing to resolve the state’s “three-in-one” issues, water, electricity and roads, these were legacy problems inherited from previous administrations and cannot be solved overnight.
“Water, electricity and roads all still not fully resolved. But the question is, were they ever fully resolved before?” Armizan said in a video posted on his Facebook page on Saturday.
“These problems have persisted for decades, not one or five years. They are legacy issues that continue to affect Sabahans today,” he pointed out, adding that the water supply challenge in Papar stems from a critical shortfall in treated water production capacity.
The district’s current demand stands at about 93 million litres per day (MLD), while its existing water treatment plants can only produce 63 MLD, namely, 40 MLD from the Kogopon plant, 10 MLD from EWSS Limbahau, and 13 MLD from Jetama Limbahau.
“This means we face a shortfall of 30 MLD daily. The plants can only meet about 65 per cent of the district’s demand, which is why some areas, particularly Mukim Kinarut and nearby high-rise housing zones, experience daily water supply disruptions,” he said.
Armizan said the Kogopon Phase 2 project, which will expand capacity from 40 to 80 MLD, was initially listed under the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK-11) but was delayed due to funding constraints.
“When the 12th Malaysia Plan began in 2021, the project had to undergo a Notice of Change (NOC) process because construction costs had increased. This required coordination between the State Government, Federal agencies, and ministries, which naturally took time,” he explained.
He said he, together with Datuk Sri Gulam Haidar Khan Bahadar and Datuk Juil Nuatim, persistently pursued the project with the relevant ministries. Their efforts were supported by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor, who prioritised the Kogopon project during a special meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 1, 2023.
“Thanks to the Chief Minister’s strong commitment, the procurement process was allowed to begin even before the NOC was finalised. A contractor was appointed, and the Chief Minister officiated the groundbreaking on August 25, 2023,” Armizan said.
The project, he added, is a major undertaking that will take three years to complete, with an expected completion date at the end of 2026. As of October 25, 2025, progress stands at 59.39 per cent.
“I apologise that I don’t have a magic wand to finish the project overnight. But I have committed to monitor it closely to ensure it stays on track because our people have suffered long enough,” he said.
To promote accountability and transparency, a progress billboard has been erected at the Sabindo junction in Kinarut.
“The billboard is not for self-promotion, it’s there to show the contractors and agencies involved that we mean business, and that the people deserve to know the project’s progress,” he said.
In addition to the Kogopon expansion, Armizan said Papar’s raw water intake system is also being upgraded to ensure a stable supply.
Currently, the Limbahau plants are fully dependent on Sungai Papar, which is highly susceptible to saltwater intrusion during dry seasons or high tides, causing chloride levels to spike beyond treatable limits and forcing temporary shutdowns.
To resolve this, the alternative intake at Kampung Kabang is being expanded from 9 MLD to 30 MLD, following an inspection by the Chief Minister on March 19, 2024, who approved funding for the project.
Construction began on March 10, 2025, and is scheduled for completion by early 2026. As of late October, work is 36.92 per cent complete.
“When the Limbahau intake faces high salinity, the Kabang intake can take over, allowing both plants to continue operating. This will greatly reduce disruptions,” Armizan said.
He reiterated his commitment to resolving the long-standing water issue in Papar, which he said has been one of his top priorities since assuming office in November 2022.
“Both key projects are approved and actively underway. Together, let us ensure they proceed smoothly and finally resolve the water supply issue for good,” he said.
Armizan also urged Papar voters to continue supporting GRS in the upcoming Sabah State Election expected to be held at the end of November, saying the coalition remains focused on “walking the talk” and delivering tangible results.
-Facebook Armizan