Water from taps safe to drink, says Xavier

KUALA LUMPUR: It is safe to drink water directly from the tap, says Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources Dr Xavier Jayakumar. 

"Water that comes from the taps throughout the country can be drunk and there are no problems. If there are problems, they are localised and not because of the treatment," he said.

Dr Xavier said this when replying to a supplementary question raised by Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said (BN-Kuala Krau) in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 17).

When asked by Ismail if he drank water directly from the tap, Dr Xavier said: "Indeed I drink directly from the tap." 

It is common practice for homes to install water filters or boil water from the tap meant for drinking.

Ismail also asked what was being done by the ministry to ease Pahang's RM2.2bil debt for water supply. 

To this, Dr Xavier said that he has held discussions with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail on the matter. 

He added that understanding was reached, where Pahang would transfer its water assets to the Federal Government in return for assistance. 

"However, we seek cooperation from Pahang to reduce its non-revenue water, which is at a high level of 46%," he said.