Labuan:Thousands of residents in over 20 villages and residential areas are facing a third day without water, causing many food and beverage businesses to temporarily close.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the disruption, which started on October 4, has impacted households and various commercial establishments. The lack of water supply is especially challenging for food and beverage operators who rely on water for essential activities like food preparation and kitchen sanitation.

Saadiah Said, a local business owner, expressed her frustration, stating that her eatery had to shut down until water is restored. She emphasized the heavy dependence on water for daily operations and the financial strain of losing income while still incurring operating expenses.

Similarly, Nordi Amirul, another affected business owner, highlighted the financial burden on small businesses reliant on daily sales. He acknowledged the technical issues but stressed the challenges posed by the ongoing disruption.

The Labuan Water Supply Department (JBAL) reported ongoing repair efforts at the Phase Two Raw Water Pump at the Lawa Gadong Water Treatment Plant in Beaufort, Sabah. Inspections revealed cracks in the pump's bearing casing, necessitating repairs or replacement parts.

The water disruption has affected almost all of Labuan, save for the Universiti Malaysia Sabah District Metered Area. Households are also experiencing significant inconvenience due to the shortage, impacting daily activities such as cooking and cleaning.

JBAL has assured the public it is monitoring the situation and will provide updates on the repair progress and an estimated restoration timeline once available. The department apologized for the inconvenience and asked for patience during the repair efforts.

In response to the crisis, the Public Works Department, Labuan Corporation, and JBAL have deployed water tankers to deliver water to affected areas, ensuring residents' essential needs are met during the disruption.