Safeguarding Sabah’s Water Future: Revisiting the 1994 Sabah Water Resources Master Plan to Strengthen SMJ 2.0

Water is one of Sabah’s most valuable natural resources. It sustains daily life, supports agriculture and industry, generates energy, protects communities from floods, and preserves the rivers and ecosystems that define Sabah’s natural heritage. The way water is managed therefore has a direct impact on public safety, economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Recognising this fundamental role of water, the Sabah Water Resources Master Plan (SWRMP) 1994 was developed as a long-term and integrated framework to guide water resources planning and management across the state.

Although the SWRMP 1994 was prepared more than three decades ago, its relevance has not diminished. On the contrary, many of the challenges faced today such as flooding, water supply reliability, increasing demand, and climate uncertainty which were already anticipated in the plan. As Sabah progresses under the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 development agenda, there is strong value in revisiting and strengthening the SWRMP to ensure it continues to meet current and future needs. This is not about replacing past efforts, but about building upon a solid foundation with updated knowledge, technology, and governance approaches.

At its core, the SWRMP 1994 was guided by the principle of integrated water resources management. This means managing rivers, catchments, water supply, flood control, and environmental protection in a coordinated and balanced manner. The plan recognised that water cannot be treated in isolation, as decisions in one sector inevitably affect others. Its key objectives included reducing flood risks to protect communities and infrastructure, ensuring reliable and safe water supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use, developing renewable energy particularly hydropower and strengthening coordination across agencies involved in water-related functions. These objectives align closely with the spirit and priorities of SMJ 2.0, which emphasises resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, and long-term value.

Flooding remains one of the most visible water-related challenges in Sabah. Seasonal monsoon rains, combined with river basin characteristics and rapid development in some areas, can result in flooding that affects homes, roads, schools, and economic activities. The SWRMP 1994 approached flood management in a comprehensive and forward-looking way. It proposed the use of flood retention dams and reservoirs to regulate river flows, improvements to river capacity and drainage systems, and better catchment and land-use planning to reduce flood risks over the long term.

Today, these strategies remain highly relevant and can be strengthened through modern technology and improved coordination. Real-time rainfall and river level monitoring, digital flood forecasting, and early warning systems can help communities and authorities prepare earlier and respond more effectively. When combined with clear emergency protocols and inter-agency collaboration, these measures can significantly reduce disruption and improve public safety. Under SMJ 2.0, flood resilience is not only about managing disasters but also about building confidence and security for communities and investors alike.

Water security is equally critical for Sabah’s continued development. As population levels rise, urban centres expand, and economic activities grow, demand for clean and reliable water supply continues to increase. The SWRMP 1994 recognised this trend early and proposed a range of measures to ensure long-term water availability. These included the development of strategic reservoirs to provide supply during dry seasons, integrated management of surface water and groundwater resources, and improvements in water treatment and distribution efficiency.

These approaches remain central to SMJ 2.0’s focus on strengthening basic infrastructure and improving public services. Reliable water supply enhances quality of life, supports economic productivity, and reduces vulnerability during dry periods. Importantly, water planning must address both urban and rural needs. Rural communities, in particular, benefit from decentralised solutions such as small-scale reservoirs, rainwater harvesting, and community-based supply systems, which improve resilience and support inclusive development.

Agriculture continues to play a vital role in Sabah’s economy and rural livelihoods. Reliable water supply is essential for crop productivity, income stability, and food security. The SWRMP 1994 recognised the importance of irrigation and efficient water use in agriculture, particularly in areas with seasonal rainfall variation. By improving irrigation efficiency and water storage capacity, farmers can achieve better yields while using water more sustainably.

Modern agricultural water solutions offer new opportunities to strengthen this sector. Solar-powered pumps, smart irrigation systems that respond to soil moisture levels, and small community reservoirs can help farmers cope with dry spells, reduce operational costs, and increase productivity. These measures are fully consistent with SMJ 2.0’s goals of rural upliftment, agricultural modernisation, and balanced regional development.

Beyond water supply and flood control, the SWRMP 1994 also identified Sabah’s significant potential for hydropower development. With its extensive river systems and suitable topography, Sabah has strong capacity to generate renewable energy through hydropower. Importantly, hydropower projects can serve multiple purposes. In addition to generating clean electricity, they can provide water storage for domestic and agricultural use, regulate river flows, and reduce downstream flood risks.

Under SMJ 2.0, carefully planned multi-purpose water infrastructure can contribute to energy security and support Sabah’s transition towards cleaner energy sources. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels enhances long-term sustainability and aligns with broader national and global climate goals. At the local level, hydropower reservoirs can also support economic activities such as eco-tourism, inland fisheries, and recreation, provided that environmental protection and community engagement are prioritised. When designed responsibly, such projects can deliver shared benefits to the state and local communities.

Effective water resources management depends not only on physical infrastructure, but also on strong governance and institutional coordination. One of the enduring strengths of the SWRMP 1994 is its emphasis on coordinated planning across agencies and sectors. Water management responsibilities often span multiple departments and levels of government, making coordination essential for effective implementation.

SMJ 2.0 offers an opportunity to further strengthen this integrated approach. River basin–based planning can ensure that decisions consider upstream and downstream impacts holistically. Shared data systems and digital dashboards can improve transparency, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance public trust. Clear roles and responsibilities among state, federal, and local authorities help reduce duplication, improve efficiency, and accelerate project delivery.

Technology now plays an increasingly important role in modern water management. Digital tools enable better monitoring, forecasting, and planning, while data analytics support more informed policy decisions.

Updating the SWRMP framework to incorporate smart water monitoring, digital flood forecasting, and climate-informed planning tools will enhance the capacity of government agencies to manage water resources proactively. At the same time, continuous training and capacity building ensure that public officers have the skills and knowledge required to operate and maintain modern systems effectively.

Environmental protection and community well-being remain central to sustainable water development. The SWRMP 1994 emphasised the need to balance development with environmental stewardship, recognising that healthy rivers and ecosystems are essential for long-term sustainability. This principle remains highly relevant today. In line with SMJ 2.0, water-related projects should continue to protect river ecosystems and biodiversity, follow robust Environmental Impact Assessment processes, and incorporate mitigation measures where needed.

Equally important is early and meaningful engagement with local and indigenous communities. Inclusive planning helps ensure that projects respond to local needs, respect cultural values, and share benefits fairly. Community participation builds trust, reduces conflict, and contributes to the long-term success of development initiatives. When communities see water projects as beneficial and inclusive, they are more likely to support and sustain them.

In conclusion, the Sabah Water Resources Master Plan 1994 remains a valuable and forward-looking framework for managing one of Sabah’s most important assets. Far from being outdated, it provides a strong foundation upon which modern strategies can be built. Reviewing and strengthening the SWRMP in response to today’s challenges is a positive and proactive step that aligns closely with the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 vision.

By updating the plan with current data and climate insights, advancing multi-purpose water infrastructure, strengthening governance and technological capacity, and prioritising people, the environment, and long-term value, Sabah can transform its water resources into a pillar of resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity. With continued collaboration among government agencies, professionals, communities, and stakeholders, Sabah’s water future can remain secure, sustainable, and supportive of inclusive growth but not only for today and for generations to come.