Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has stated that additional funds are necessary to complete the Telibong II water capacity enhancement project in Kota Kinabalu. The Deputy Prime Minister explained that the project is intended to upgrade the Telibong II water treatment plant’s capacity to provide water up to 160 million litres per day from the initial 80 MLD, which involves the installation of the main pipe and tanks.
He indicated that officials from the Energy Transition and Public Utilities Ministry, the Works Ministry, and the Sabah Water Department have been given a two-week deadline to come up with an estimate for the extra allocation.
Furthermore, he directed the relevant parties to discuss the matter and resolve the issues for the plant located in Tamparuli, approximately 40km north of the Sabah capital.
After visiting the plant on Saturday (Jan 20), Fadillah told reporters that they need to figure out how to obtain extra funds as the allocation is through a loan to the state government. He emphasized that there is a provision for a loan, but it is quite limited, which poses a challenge.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Prime Minister had mandated him to resolve the matter because the plant is critical for industries, local residents, and the water supply to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
Phase two of the Telibong II water treatment plant was reportedly completed last December, according to Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya’s Facebook post. However, the falling main pipe is expected to be completed this month. The plant supplies water to areas north of Kota Kinabalu, the city centre, as well as the Tuaran district and its surrounding areas.
As for the hindrances of the project, Fadillah cited the coordination between the agencies overseeing the Pan Borneo Highway and the Telibong II enhancement projects. He highlighted that some issues have been resolved in terms of right of way, but the challenge now is to find a way for the continuation of the project. Consequently, he has given them two weeks to find a solution.
During his visit, Fadillah also inspected the Gudon/Telipok main distribution substation project and the Moyog Integrated River Basin Development project in Penampang.
