Kuala lumpur: The Sabah Water Department (JAS) detected and disconnected 43 illegal pipe connections during an integrated operation at two squatter settlements in Kampung Mangkalinau, Batu 3, here today. The state water authority said in a statement today that a local man was also arrested, while two water pump units were seized during the operation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation was carried out to curb illegal pipe connections and address non-revenue water losses as well as water supply issues in Sandakan. Under Section 49(b) of the Sabah Water Supply Enactment 2003, those found guilty of the offence can be fined up to RM100,000, imprisoned for a maximum of one year, or both.

The operation, which started from 7 am to 3 pm, involved 89 personnel from the Royal Malaysian Police, the Malaysian Immigration Department, Sabah Electricity, and the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS). JAS said the operation focused on detecting and disconnecting illegal connections, as well as taking enforcement action against those involved in tampering with the water supply system.

The department said it would continue monitoring other hotspot areas to ensure a continuous clean water supply for consumers in Sandakan. Meanwhile, JAS said Sabah Electricity detected and disconnected 40 illegal electricity connections during the same operation, with about 82 kg of electrical wires used for the connections removed.

It said the operation also resulted in the MPS issuing three compounds and seizing 11 packets of contraband cigarettes.