Sabah should consider Coastal Reservoirs (CR) instead of the traditional dams to meet future water needs. By constructing coastal reservoirs, it potentially resolves the water shortage problem during droughts by storing the excess water from wet seasons.
CR is a technology that develops river water in the sea near a river mouth. It is a paradigm shift in water resources development from storing water in mountainous dams to storing freshwater by the coast. The mountainous dams in upstream become the “Sword of Damocles” to downstream people. CR technology can act as a barrier to protect the coast from earthquakes.
On 15 September 2023, The Sabah Society hosted a talk by Datuk Dr. Amarjit Singh, former Director of the Sabah State Water Department and a member of the International Water Association (IWA). In his presentation, “The Innovation of Coastal Reservoirs in Sabah”, Dr. Amarjit highlighted the potential of coastal reservoirs as an alternative to traditional dams in addressing Sabah’s long-term water security.
Why Coastal Reservoirs?
Sabah, with its tropical climate, abundant rainfall, and extensive river networks, has a unique opportunity to harness coastal reservoirs as a sustainable water source. Unlike dams that rely solely on precipitation, coastal reservoirs are designed to capture river water at the sea near river mouths—preventing rainwater from flowing unused into the ocean.
Dr. Amarjit explained that these reservoirs not only store water but can also serve dual purposes: acting as flood protection and supporting future water demands. For instance, he noted a potential 12 km² area near Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) that could sustain a large reservoir. In such a system, the Babagon Dam could serve as a backup.
Global Perspective and Local Opportunities
Coastal reservoirs are not new. They are already in use worldwide, including Singapore’s Marina Barrage, South Korea’s Saemangeum and Sihwa, and China’s Qingcaosha Reservoir, which supplies clean water to 13 million people in Shanghai with a capacity of 7,000 million litres per day (MLD). By comparison, Sabah’s current water capacity is only about 1,300 MLD.
Dr. Amarjit argued that adopting this approach could secure water for future generations, transform neglected coastal areas into freshwater townships, create real estate and tourism opportunities, and even support freshwater agriculture. Coastal reservoirs can also act as barriers against natural disasters and contribute to renewable energy development.
The Case Against Traditional Dams
According to Dr. Amarjit, dam construction worldwide has slowed since the 1960s due to the environmental, social, and economic costs. Dams often cause soil erosion, biologically dead rivers, destruction of agriculture, and displacement of communities. He also pointed to the increasing risks of dam failures, citing the tragic collapse of a dam in Libya in 2023 that killed over 11,000 people.
Moving Forward
Dr. Amarjit stressed that while coastal reservoirs may not be the sole answer, they represent an important alternative that deserves serious study. He called for a pre-feasibility study, including data collection and environmental assessments, before moving forward.
His proposal has already gained attention. Deputy Chief Minister I and Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, has been informed and expressed support for exploring the idea. Other advocates include former Putatan MP Awang Husaini Sahari, former Penampang MP Datuk Donald Mojuntin, and fellow IWA member Lim Sin Poh.
“I am not saying coastal reservoirs are the only solution. But Sabahans deserve alternatives. With proper planning, we can secure our water supply for the future while avoiding the negative impacts of large dams,” said Dr. Amarjit.
A Call for Pragmatism
As climate change intensifies and water demand grows, Sabah must take pre-emptive measures to ensure sustainable water security. Coastal reservoirs could be one of the key innovations to bridge this gap—providing clean water, protecting the environment, and creating opportunities for future generations.
The Sabah Society prides itself on having served the society at large by organising talks and public forums on subjects ranging from nature, wildlife, conservation and environment to issues of current interests. Presently, the talks are held at the Society’s office at Damai Plaza. Many distinguished speakers have graced the podium at the Society providing insight and information to both members and non-member attendees. These educational talks are open to the public and the attendance is free of charge.Written by Chloe Lee Mei Tchuin
