Kuching: Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen has lodged a police report against Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd and Kuching Urban Transport System (KUTS) following a major water disruption from 22 September to 23 September 2025, which left thousands of residents without water for up to 24 hours.
The incident was triggered by damage to a 600mm ductile iron pipe at Jalan Canna, caused by piling works carried out by Sarawak Metro’s contractor for the KUTS Blue Line project.
The disruption forced many households to go without water and compelled numerous businesses, particularly hawker stalls, to temporarily shut down.
Chong said the incident reflected possible negligence in planning and execution.
“With proper planning and careful on-site surveys, incidents like this could have been avoided. I do not rule out negligence in the design and planning work,” he stressed.
He further cited Section 425 of the Penal Code provides that whoever, with intent to cause, or knowing that he is likely to cause, wrongful loss or damage to the public or any person, causes the destruction of any property, or any such change in any property, or in the situation thereof, as destroys or diminishes its value or utility, or affects it injuriously, commits “mischief”.
“Section 427 further provides that if the loss or damage amount is RM25 and above, whoever that commits the mischief shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than five years or with fine or with both,” he said.
While acknowledging that the damaged pipe belongs to Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd, Chong emphasised that government-linked entities cannot be exempted from accountability.
“Sarawak Metro or KUTS cannot take advantage of the fact that they are under the same government and thus avoid responsibility.
“Sarawak Water Sdn Bhd’s revenue comes from the people of Sarawak, and as a public utility, this concerns everyone,” he said.
Chong urged for greater accountability and responsibility in the implementation of the KUTS project to prevent further public inconvenience.
