KOTA KINABALU: Communities in three remote villages in Sabah will soon have clean drinking water, thanks to a pilot project by state-owned Jetama Sdn Bhd introducing a solar-powered nano-filtration drinking water system.
The system will be installed in Kampung Pulau Berhala in Sandakan, Kampung Tanjung Batu in Sukau and Kampung Paris in Kinabatangan.
This initiative is part of the state government’s effort to assist remote or disaster-affected areas in accessing clean drinking water.
Jetama chairman Liau Fui Fui added that another seven villages would benefit from similar projects later.
“This project offers a sustainable solution for providing clean drinking water to communities in remote, off-grid areas. The system is eco-friendly and portable, making it ideal for these locations,” Liau said.
He explained that the system harnesses solar energy through panels that generate electricity to power the water treatment units.
Liau said this at an exhibition held at the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference 2024 (SIBEC 2024) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) on Saturday (Oct 19).
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Jetama’s chief executive officer, Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang were also present.
Liau explained that one of the key advantages of the system is its reliance on solar power, a clean and renewable energy source.
“It is also cost-effective, with minimal operational costs once installed, as the system runs on free sunlight and does not require chemicals,” he added.
Each unit can supply clean drinking water for up to 5,000 residents in a village, offering a critical solution for communities without access to grid electricity.
Jetama is the Sabah government’s wholly-owned company through Kota Kinabalu Waters Sdn Bhd, responsible for water production of treated water for its concession area which covers Kota Kinabalu and the nearby districts.
