KENINGAU: A local native from Tambunan here has come up with a green energy gravity water filtration system capable of producing up to 200,000 litres of clean water daily.
Joe Primus Kayau came up with the innovation due to the issue of clean water supply in the inland areas in Sabah.
The engineer said the construction of the system began in September and was completed at the end of November.
"With a total construction cost of under RM500,000, it has provided green technology and clean water benefits to more than 40 households in Kampung Sintuong-Tuong.
"The idea, initially aimed at addressing water issues in my village, has caught the attention of Sabah's Minister of Rural Development Datuk Jahid Jahim and the Rural and Regional Development.
"This led to the implementation of the Clean Gravity Water Community Project in several remote rural areas in Sabah," he was quoted in a statement after the launching of the project here yesterday.
Present were Sabah Deputy Chief Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, Tambunan district officer Sabitun Makajil and Universiti Malaysia Sabah Socio-Economic expert Professor Dr Gaim James Lunkapis.
Jeffrey, who is also Keningau member of parliament and Tambunan assemblyman, said with the advanced technology, thousands of people in rural communities will have access to quality clean water.
"With this high-tech clean gravity water system, we hope that the community can enjoy immediate and continuous benefits from technological advancements.
"This system not only provides advantages to the community but also has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the extraction of endless natural water sources.
"I am very proud to be here to present the excellence of the innovation by a local Sabahan and the research conducted by the expert team from the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)," he said.
Meanwhile, Gaim said the technology required no electricity supply and can be operated by villagers without sophisticated equipment.
He added that the technology consists of patented intake technology, followed by three stages of filtration and water collection in storage tanks before being distributed to beneficiaries in the village community.
The first project in Kampung Rungus Nahaba, which had research status, was funded by Mosti.
"Under the allocation of the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, six villages have already benefited from it, and three more are expected to be completed this year, providing services to the village residents.
"The six villages are Kampung Koliposuan, Tamparuli; Kampung Bukit Mengidam, Telupid; Kampung Tukalilan and Kampung Langsat, Tenom; Kampung Tudan, Kiulu; and Kampung Sintuong-tuong, Tambunan."