PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asked the relevant agencies to immediately address the water woes in Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), a day after the Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zamry Abd Kadir was met with a protest staged by students during his visit.
In an immediate reaction, Anwar said he had approved a RM3 million allocation for the purpose during his visit there last year.
He said he had listened to the grouses of the students and received confirmation from its vice-chancellor on the issue.
"I read in social media that the higher education minister was met by UMS students who had not showered.
"I'm not sure; maybe the implementation (of the project to address the water issue) takes some time," he said in his speech at the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly today.
He said he would not be quick to judge as the project could take some time.
Anwar, who is also finance minister, has asked Treasury secretary-general Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican to get updates from the ministry and university on the allocation and actions taken.
While it seemed trivial for some people, but "undergraduates facing water supply issues should concern us", he said.
He said there seemed to be a disconnect between those in planning, managers and the ones carrying out project implementation.
"It is our responsibility to ensure that the development is meaningful to them (people)."
Yesterday, Zambry was greeted by irate students during his first work visit to the university.
They were seen holding placards to tell him of their plight of having to study while enduring water problems.
Zambry also announced an additional RM2 million for a short-term solution through management of the water pressure and tube well system.