By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 9 — Selangor’s approach to environmental protection has matured over the years, with past and present administrations showcasing a proactive commitment to manage the state’s ecological assets responsibly and prioritise preventive measures against pollution.
Recognising this momentum, state executive councillor for environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin is directing her attention towards further reinforcing water security — a concern shared by the public due to the recurring threats of water contamination that risk disrupting supply.
As part of this commitment to improve, she said Selangor is currently reviewing its urban planning frameworks, particularly concerning water resources conservation.
This is particularly crucial considering the intricacies of securing clean water in the state, given its densely urbanised landscape interspersed with industrial, agricultural, and domestic zones — all of which have been identified as potential contributors to water pollution.
Jamaliah said the measures being taken reflect the Selangor government’s heightened vigilance in safeguarding water quality and ensuring a lasting supply for its populace.
“Throughout the years, we have seen our strategies evolve, and the current situation has improved compared to previous years. With the growing population and the expansion of industrial areas, we must consider the changing factors which can impact the environment.
“We are looking forward to finding ways to address these issues gradually to minimise them in the future. At the very least, we are examining the patterns to improve our approach,” she said in an interview at her office at the State Secretariat Building recently.
The policies to be introduced include the zero discharge policy regulatory framework proposed by the Selangor Water Management Authority (Luas), aimed at deterring river pollution and ensuring no waste is discharged into water sources.
Previously, on October 16, Luas director Hasrolnizam Shaari said the agency had finished drafting the zero discharge policy, which will be presented to the state government in the near future for approval before coming into force sometime next year.
For Jamaliah, maintaining high-quality standards for treated water is a matter of great importance, as she said the state’s water supply authority Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd aspires for its treated water to be clean enough for direct consumption from the tap.
She also lauded Luas for the critical role it plays in safeguarding water safety, including constantly monitoring crucial water sources to prevent pollution and ensure a reliable supply for Selangor’s residents.
Federal framework for low-carbon economy
Jamaliah similarly commended the Federal government’s National Energy Transition Roadmap, a strategic plan to facilitate Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy, emphasising its importance for creating standardised metrics and policies aligned to the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
With a clear and standardised framework in place, it will be easier for states to adopt and implement their own policies, which contribute to the broader vision of reducing carbon emissions.
“For example, previously, we intended to introduce electric vehicle guidelines, given the demand for clarity on Selangor’s stance.
“However, we decided to withhold our guidelines because we were waiting for the Federal government to release theirs first. The role of the Federal administration is crucial in this respect, as it enables us to standardise all the calculations and inventory across the board.
“Once that is in place, we can address the broader aspects of carbon trading and ESG criteria, establishing a unified approach for the entire nation,” she said.
Jamaliah added the Federal government can also capitalise on its knowledge and engagements to facilitate states in the implementation process.
