KOTA KINABALU, Sept 19 — Water supply at the Duchess of Kent Hospital (HDOK) in Sandakan has been fully restored, with all services — including surgeries and dialysis — operating as normal.
In a press statement today, the Health Ministry said that the main supply returned to the hospital’s tanks at 11am on Tuesday, enabling the main building’s chiller system to be reactivated at 2pm and operations to resume in stages.
“During the critical period, the hospital had implemented emergency measures such as postponing elective surgeries, rationing linen, and optimising the use of alcohol-based hand rub.
“All these measures have since been discontinued following the full stabilisation of the situation,” it said.
The ministry thanked the Sabah State Water Department (JANS), Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), the Hospital Lahad Datu team, the Sabah State Health Department, NGOs, local leaders and individuals for their assistance.
On Monday, Malay Mail reported that HDOK experienced a water shortage after supply from the Segaliud treatment plant was cut, disrupting operating theatres, the haemodialysis unit and support services.
An internal memo said tank levels were dangerously low despite multiple tanker deliveries from JANS, third-party contractors and MPS.
Sandakan has faced recurrent water shortages in recent years, with lawmakers and community leaders repeatedly urging long-term fixes.
