The federal government has approved RM796.4 million in loans to state governments this year to support the implementation of water supply projects, as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the effects of the southwest monsoon season, which is anticipated to bring extended periods of dry weather and potential drought.
Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, stated that a total of 28 projects are currently underway under this initiative as of May. Of these, 12 projects are located in Sabah, five in Sarawak, three each in Pahang and Terengganu, two each in Kedah and Perlis, and one in Kelantan.
“These projects are at varying stages of implementation, and seven are expected to reach completion within this year,” he remarked during a press briefing following an Aidiladha sacrificial event held in Kampung Tupong Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak.
Fadillah further highlighted that the ministry is intensifying its efforts to address the issue of non-revenue water (NRW), a longstanding concern stemming from factors such as system inefficiencies, pipe leakages, and illegal connections.
“When pipe connections are substandard or deteriorate over time, leakages are inevitable. There are also ageing pipes that require replacement. It is estimated that approximately 40% of treated water nationwide is lost due to NRW. Although the water is processed, nearly half is not reaching consumers, resulting in substantial financial loss,” he said.
The ministry’s current priority, he added, is to reassess the existing piping infrastructure and initiate targeted pipe replacement efforts to reduce wastage and enhance water supply efficiency.
-Free Malaysia Today
