Is Kota Kinabalu Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is considered safe to drink by local authorities and World Health Organization standards.
However, occasional contamination incidents and old piping infrastructure may affect water quality in some areas.
To be cautious, boiling or using a water filter is recommended to ensure optimal water quality for consumption.
Malaysia is ranked as number 90 globally with a score of 54% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
River water from the Babagon and Moyog rivers are the primary sources of tap water in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
These rivers are treated at the Babagon Water Treatment Plant and distributed to consumers through a network of pipes.
Additionally, some areas may receive water from groundwater sources, such as boreholes, which are also treated and distributed by the local authority.
Kota Kinabalu Drinking Fountains
Some public drinking fountains in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia may not be safe for consumption due to maintenance and hygiene issues.
Drinking fountains at tourist attractions and shopping malls are generally safe, as they are well-maintained and regularly cleaned.
It's still recommended to check the fountain's condition and any posted signs before consuming the water to ensure it's safe to drink.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Kota Kinabalu. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.