Kuching: The prolonged water quality crisis affecting several areas in Kuching has reignited concerns over public service delivery, with DAP Sarawak Kenyalang Branch chairman Chin Fang Chi urging authorities to take immediate action and warning against the dangers of unchecked political power.
In a statement, Chin said residents across the city have been forced to cope with discoloured, murky and muddy tap water for weeks, creating inconvenience and raising concerns about public health and safety.
He pointed out that water authorities had reportedly received numerous complaints about yellow, black and muddy water earlier this month and attributed the issue to sediment disturbances within the water distribution network.
According to Chin, the incident goes beyond a temporary disruption and reflects a failure to ensure one of the most basic public services.
“Families are worried about the safety of the water they use every day, while businesses, particularly food and beverage operators, are facing difficulties in serving customers,” he said.
Chin questioned the response of elected representatives from the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP), saying there had been little visible effort to push for accountability or demand quicker solutions from the relevant authorities.
He said the issue was particularly concerning given recent remarks by SUPP leaders about the possibility of a snap state election and aspirations for a “zero opposition” State Legislative Assembly.
While supporting Sarawak’s goal of becoming a developed and high-income state by 2030, Chin argued that progress should be measured by the government’s ability to solve problems that directly affect people’s daily lives.
“Development cannot simply be a slogan when residents are still facing fundamental issues such as access to clean and safe water,” he said.
The DAP leader also claimed that the latest incident highlights a wider pattern in which recurring local issues, including flash floods, poor road conditions and utility problems, remain unresolved despite repeated public complaints.
He said Kuching, which has long been considered one of SUPP’s political strongholds, deserves better attention and solutions from those entrusted with public office.
Chin further argued that the water crisis demonstrates the importance of maintaining checks and balances within the political system.
“A government that cannot guarantee clean water should not be asking for unchecked power. When there is no effective opposition, who will speak up for the people when problems arise?” he asked.
He warned that any attempt to eliminate opposition voices would weaken public scrutiny and reduce avenues for ordinary citizens to seek accountability from the government.
Calling for urgent intervention, Chin urged the relevant authorities to resolve the water quality issue as soon as possible and restore public confidence in the water supply system.
He also appealed to voters to consider the role of the opposition in safeguarding public interests ahead of the coming state election.
“The current situation shows exactly why a strong and effective opposition remains necessary. Sarawak must not allow any political party to monopolise power while neglecting the everyday concerns of the people,” he said.
