KUALA LUMPUR: A disturbing revelation at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has left students and social media users alarmed after a TikTok video showcased a water tank infested with maggots.
The video posted by TikTok user @kurimasakuti - showing a tank filled with larvae - has garnered around 1.8 million views and sparked widespread revulsion.
In the caption, the user mentioned that students have been facing water issues for several days and discovered that the water supply provided was contaminated with a monkey carcass.
"The issue is that we have been using the water for quite some time before realising the real situation.
"If unwanted incidents occur, what should be done?" she added.
Social media responses echoed worry and frustration, with users expressing the inconveniences experienced by students.
Some mentioned the necessity of returning home during breaks for laundry and bringing own mineral water for daily use at UMS.
"My child is a student there, and they have to come home every time there is a break just to do laundry. Plus, they have to bring mineral water from home for daily use at UMS," said user @sufiemie.
Another TikTok user @chepuan_123 commented: "The UMS management administration needs to be investigated because it seems the situation has become excessively severe."
In response to the uproar, UMS issued an official statement via Facebook, clarifying that the contaminated water tank was situated at Tun Pengiran Ahmad Raffae Residential College (KKTPAR) within the university premises.
UMS stated that the damaged tank was part of the water supply system through a tube well, and it does not impact the water supply distributed by the Sabah Water Department, which serves as the primary source for the daily needs of the students.
"Due to the issue, UMS Development and Maintenance Department (JPP) has instructed the maintenance contractor to empty the affected tank.
"JPP has also directed the contractor to continually monitor every building facility at UMS to prevent any safety and health risks, especially to the student community."