KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Water Department has recorded an outstanding water bill of RM262 million to date, according to State Public Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya.
He said consumers were expected to be responsible for paying their bills.
"If the outstanding bill is not settled, the revenue collection of the department will be low.
"However, over the past few years, the department has consistently achieved its bill collection target, ranging between RM200 million and RM300 million.
"It indicates that consumers are still paying and being responsible," he said, noting there are approximately half a million registered consumers in the state.
Shahelmey, who also serves as the Deputy Chief Minister, addressed the media after launching the MyJANS mobile application at a hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
When asked about consumers' reluctance to pay their bills due to poor services and frequent interruptions, he acknowledged those concerns and assured that they would be addressed.
Regarding the MYJANS mobile application, he encouraged the public to download it as it allows them to lodge complaints, monitor their bills, and stay updated on the latest developments in water services.
He also reminded consumers that complaints made should be truthful for effective management in adressing the issues.
Shahelmey mentioned that complaints submitted would be addressed within 30 minutes, around the clock, both by an autobot and staff.
"I understand that there is a dedicated team managing MyJANS, both at the headquarters and in each district.
"For now, the application is only available for Android users, but I have urged the department to make it available for iOS phone users," he said, adding that 2,000 users have already downloaded the application.
Present at the launch were his Assistant Public Works Ministers Datuk Limus Jury and Datuk Robert Tawik, as well as State Water Director Suhaimi Asbullah.
