By Selangor Journal Staff
SUBANG JAYA – The State Government has allocated about RM1.499 billion from the year 2016 to 2020 to ensure that clean water supply services in Selangor are well managed, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Amirudin said the huge allocation reflects the State Government’s commitment to the supply of clean water to the entire community in the Klang Valley including the investor community in Selangor.
“Given the enormous responsibilities and roles of the State Government to provide adequate water supply in terms of quality and quantity to accommodate demand from consumers, the State Government is committed to making water supply services as a regular agenda,” he said
Amirudin added that this commitment is translated through major allocations through annual budgets.
This was said during the launch of the Selangor State Water Resources Master Plan and Sustainability Forum at Holiday Villa Hotel, Subang Jaya here today.
According to Amirudin the State Government spent RM800 million to develop two water treatment plants, the Semenyih Water Treatment Plant 2 and the Labohan Trade Water Treatment Plant.
He added that in order to fulfill the trust and interests of the people and the country, it is something that the State Government needs to bear.
Among the panelists who presented papers on the forum were IR Izham Hashim’s IRCO Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Agriculture and Agro-based Exco, Director of the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), Dato ‘IR Hashim Othman and LUAS Board Member, Syed Muhammad Shahabudin Syed Hassan Shahabudin.
The one-day forum was also attended by government representatives, government-linked companies, professional associations, consumer associations, non-governmental associations, academics of various higher education institutions and stakeholders.
Malaysia has the highest water consumption in Asean
The Selangor Menteri Besar had added at the forum that inefficient use of water is one of the contributors to the problem of insufficient water that can and will occur in the country.
According to Amirudin, in Malaysia, water consumption is the biggest challenge faced by the government, with the rate of consumption of 250 litres per person daily, making it the highest among ASEAN countries.
“Singapore uses 170 liters per day while Thailand uses 90 liters per day compared to the recommended water consumption by World Health Organization (WHO) of 165 litres per day,” he said.
According to studies, only 30% of water were used for eating and drinking while the rest was used for washing cars, clothes and swimming pools. Hence, he said that society needs a change of mind and attitude in the usage of water consumption.
He said the balance between demand and supply should be achieved to ensure water use is more efficient to ensure future water supply.
“Our challenge in the 21st Century is not to provide water for its people, but rather to ensure that water supplies are sustainable and is capable of meeting climate change either during the long and dry summer months or in the monsoon season,” said Amiruddin.
He added that even though the State Government was able to develop a new water treatment plant, the public’s awareness of the importance of using water efficiently, prudently and conserving should be emphasized in order to avoid any wastage.
