SHAH ALAM, March 30 — Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd has allocated RM35 billion under its business plan, which will take between five to 30 years, so as to provide the best possible service to over nine million users.
Its acting chief executive officer Abas Abdullah said the plan includes the development of new water sources like the Rasau and Langat Dua water supply schemes, pipe replacements, pipe meter conversions, and pump house improvements.
“This is a major expense and in 2023 we are focusing on water plants, with a RM12 billion expenditure, RM150 million for pipe replacement annually, RM45 million for changing water meters, and RM15 million for pump houses and water ponds,” he said.
Abas was speaking during Agenda Awani’s talk show programme, titled Kelestarian Air: Apa Plan Air Selangor, hosted by Irfan Faruqi.
Responding to a query on what were Air Selangor’s challenges and achievements in the past year, he said the organisation has made several improvements, which include making large investments into the water supply system.
At the present, Air Selangor has replaced an estimated 624km of old or obsolete pipes, with 552km of these pipes situated at 262 critical locations.
“In total there are 30,000km of pipes, of which 6,000 are obsolete pipes installed in the 1970s. These pipes have not been in use since the 1990s.
“55 per cent of broken pipes are caused by these old pipes. To overcome this issue, Air Selangor carries out replacement efforts, with 150km replaced annually,” Abas said.
He added that in 2022, Air Selangor allocated RM2.97 billion for the improvement of the water supply system, which encompasses pipe replacements, the construction of new plants, water pool repairs, assets, and equipment maintenance.
As a result of the improvements made, it has led to a positive impact on the nation’s largest water service provider company.
“Every year we conduct a customer satisfaction index study, which recorded an increase in 2022 compared to 2021.
“The study covers the management of water supply disruptions, customer service, water quality, and communications,” Abas said.
