By Jerry Choong
SHAH ALAM, June 30 — As part of its efforts to move towards sustainability, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd has complied with the Health Ministry’s Drinking Water Quality Standards and the distribution of treated water supply in its distribution area.
Its chief executive officer Suhaimi Kamaralzaman said the standards are at 99.80 per cent, while the distribution of treated water supply is at 99.80 per cent.
“Air Selangor has further increased its move toward sustainability as it has managed to save 192.50 million litres in non-revenue water (NRW) per day,” he said in a statement to mark the launch of its 2021 Sustainability Report today.
This is based on the official audit by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) which indicated the average NRW rate is 27.93 per cent, which Suhaimi said indirectly optimises operating costs and ensures Air Selangor resources’ efficiency.
He said last year’s achievements were accomplished via meticulous strategic planning, rolling out sustainability initiatives and the implementation of broader internal NRW reduction programmes.
“Additionally, the reopening of the economic sector and the end of the movement control Order (MCO) period has also helped to enhance the progress of the planned work,” Suhaimi said in a statement.
The report focuses on Air Selangor’s efforts and strategies in driving long-term sustainable and efficient water supply management and administration for over 8.4 million consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Among its notable achievements include a joint venture between Air Selangor and Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) on a water reclamation initiative for industrial use via Central Water Reclamation Sdn Bhd (Central Water), to meet circular economy trends which are collectively driving the new economy.
“We also implemented various grassroots initiatives through the corporate social
responsibility programme Sesama Mara Air Selangor, to help 1,629 families and
individuals within the grassroots community, especially the B40 group affected by the
Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.
Another achievement in 2021 was the completion of the second issuance of Air Selangor’s Sukuk Murabahah programme in October that year, valued at RM10 billion.
“The RM1 billion issuance comprises the RM430 million SRI Sukuk Kelestarian Air Selangor issuance and the second tranche of RM570 million Islamic Medium Term Notes.
“This will be utilised to finance and implement sustainable investment projects that are in line with our capital investment, sustainability strategy and main Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” Suhaimi said.
He said SPAN has also approved RM5.09 billion in capital expenditure for the first operating period based on Air Selangor’s 30:35 Business Plan in November 2020, which is meant for the implementation of sustainable water supply management strategic plans and initiatives.
“Through this sustainability report, Air Selangor supports all 17 SDG by the United Nations (UN). On that front, we are committed to the achievements of five key goals that are directly related to our operations.
“These include the Clean Water and Sanitation Goal (SDG 6), the Economic Growth Goal and Decent Employment (SDG 8), the Responsible Consumption and Production Goal (SDG 12), the Climate Action Goal (SDG 13) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Goal (SDG 16),” Suhaimi said.
He added through Air Selangor’s 2020-2022 Sustainability Strategy, it has also provided support to the SDG set by the UN, focusing on enhancing the resilience of water supply services while also ensuring continuous water supply to consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
“Air Selangor remains committed to mobilising all efforts and creating space and opportunities in the endeavour to realise the aspirations of its net-zero target of becoming the pioneer of sustainable organisation in the water industry in Malaysia and Asia,” Suhaimi said.
Air Selangor’s 2021 Sustainability Report can be accessed at https://www.airselangor.com/.
