No Water, No Stay: KK Hotels Hit By Cancellations Amid Supply Cuts Since Aug 8

KOTA KINABLAU, Aug 14 — A water supply disruption in the State Capital has affected 14 hotels since Wednesday (Aug 12), according to the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah and Labuan Chapter.

Its chairman, Suresh Ramasamy, urged the Sabah Water Department to urgently stabilise and restore supply, noting that initial disruptions involving several premises had begun as early as Aug 8.

He said affected hotels were forced to rely on reserve tanks and costly private water tankers, which are facing severe availability constraints due to simultaneous demand from businesses and residential areas.

The ongoing supply issue has already triggered room cancellations and shortened stays, threatening broader financial repercussions for local tour operators, transport providers, and businesses.

Warning that prolonged multi-day uncertainty could weaken tourism confidence ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah Year 2027, MAH called for priority tanker assistance and clearer restoration timelines for affected premises. — Daily Express