KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to solve a continuing problem of water supply disruptions faced by over 80% of the people in Labuan.
Senator Datuk Bashir Alias said the problem affects not only their daily lives but also economic activities on the island.
He said the disruption happened almost all year round, with frequent occurrences of broken pipes and delayed repair works, with a lack of funds being among the causes.
“In an effort to attract investors to Labuan, especially in the tourism sector and the oil and gas industry, failure to address this issue will affect investors’ interest to operate in Labuan.
“Therefore, I hope the ministry of environment and water resources will approve an adequate allocation next year to address this problem fast,” he said during the budget debate at the Dewan Negara today.
The senator also urged the government to allocate more funds for the Labuan Irrigation and Drainage Department to solve the problem of flash floods on the island.
He said flash floods often hit the same areas in Labuan, especially after hour-long heavy rain, and becoming worse with the simultaneous occurrence of the high-tide phenomenon.
“This situation has caused the residents to incur losses, especially when the foul drain water and floodwaters overflowed into their houses,” he added.
The Dewan Negara sitting continues tomorrow.