“No water, no kuih Raya” reality shows urgent need to fix supply issues, says PDP chief

The 600mm pipeline along Jalan Tong Sang/Jalan Wong King Huo in Sibu successfully restored at 11.30am on April 1, 2026.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, April 19: Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Dato Sri Tiong King Sing has called for urgent and decisive action to address persistent water supply issues in his constituencies, revealing that some residents were unable to even prepare traditional Hari Raya delicacies due to lack of water supply.

Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman and Bintulu MP, emphasised that clean water is a fundamental necessity that cannot be compromised, noting that many rakyat view water supply as even more critical than electricity.

“During the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, we received complaints from residents who could not even make kuih due to water supply disruptions. This is not a minor inconvenience. This reflects how deeply these issues affect the daily lives of our people,” he stressed when addressing the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) Convention 2026 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching today.

He said such incidents underscore the severity of basic infrastructure shortcomings still faced by communities, especially in the rural Sarawak.

Acknowledging the State government’s ongoing efforts, he however stressed that a more structured and comprehensive approach is needed, involving short-, medium-, and long-term planning to resolve long-standing issues.

“At the end of the day, the people do not just look at announcements, they look at results,” he said, adding that delivery on the ground must continuously improve to ensure policies translate into tangible benefits.

He also pointed out that recurring issues such as flooding, poor drainage systems, and lack of basic amenities remain prevalent in several areas, urging all leaders to go to the ground, engage directly with the people, and understand the realities they face.

“All these are not just development issues, but they are responsibilities we must fulfil as a government entrusted by the rakyat,” he added. — DayakDaily