A former lawmaker suggests that Sabah, which is currently facing water supply issues in certain areas, should consider utilizing coastal reservoirs instead of conventional dams in order to maximize its abundant rainfall. Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, former Penampang MP, points out that although Sabah has the highest average annual rainfall in Malaysia at 3,800mm, it only harnesses 3% of this water source. He highlights that coastal reservoirs have been successfully implemented in countries like China, South Korea, and Hong Kong and could be the best solution for Sabah’s water problems.
According to Mojuntin, coastal reservoirs have several advantages over conventional dams. They are cheaper to construct for the same volume of water and have an infinite lifespan if maintained properly. Furthermore, they have minimal impact on the ecosystem, are sustainable, and do not require the flooding of large areas of land or the displacement of communities. Mojuntin emphasizes that coastal reservoirs capture rainwater from catchment areas that would otherwise end up in the sea, unlike conventional dams that rely solely on rainfall.
Last month, grassroots movements Takad and SPR objected to the construction of a dam in Papar or Penampang and proposed the consideration of alternative solutions, including coastal reservoirs. Local communities have been opposing the dam’s construction for over a decade, citing concerns that promises made to relocated individuals from the construction of the Babagon Dam in Penampang have not been fulfilled. Mojuntin, the deputy president of Upko, also highlights that many developed countries are decommissioning dams due to their negative effects on the environment and people.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
