SABAH today raised the alarm over possible water shortage as high temperatures are set to persist until December.

State Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony said the areas expected to be critically hit were Banggi Island, Pitas, Menumbok, Beaufort and Kuala Penyu, affecting more than 60,000 residents.

He said the ministry expected the entire state to be affected by the heatwave.

“The Meteorological Department has informed us that the hot weather will continue until December, possibly beyond that.

“This will lead to a drop in river water levels. Water levels in all our catchment areas have already dropped significantly.

“We advise consumers to stock up on water and conserve its use,” he said during a special press conference to announce the matter.

The Meteorological Department has said Sabah is experiencing an “irregular” heatwave, with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 40°C.

Anthony said water tankers would be deployed to areas hit by critical water shortage.

He said a 24-hour call centre had been set up to record consumer complaints.

“The ministry will make an announcement if water rationing needs to be carried out. The (call centre) line is 088-326-888.” – August 27, 2018.