DEPUTY Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi says he will request special funding to resolve the long-running water supply issue in Sabah.

The minister of rural and regional development said the special provision was necessary to ensure that everyone living in Sabah – especially those in the rural areas – received clean water.

“I know the water supply in Sabah is very disappointing. We hear a lot of complaints, especially during the festive season.

“It is difficult for people to celebrate when there is no water,” he said in Kota Kinabalu today.

Zahid said the federal government had also allocated RM600 million to solve infrastructure issues in Sabah, including the rural water and electricity supply projects, as well as renovating rundown houses.

“I hope this can solve the people’s problems, especially those over water, roads and electricity,” he added.

In Papar, Zahid said he would monitor the funding to ensure that it had a desired impact on the state.

“I will also monitor the rundown areas, especially the three poorest districts in Sabah. After I hold a discussion with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, I will give priority to these districts,” he said.

He said the federal government had a ‘zero poverty’ goal, which could be achieved this year.

Therefore, the poor districts in Sabah needed various development projects alongside the socio-economic development of the people.

The three poorest districts in Sabah are Pitas, Kota Marudu and Tongod. – Bernama, May 4, 2023.