KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of non-revenue water (NRW), which remains high in several states due to pipe leaks, water theft and ageing infrastructure, significantly impacts the efficiency of the country’s water supply system.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said continuous efforts were being intensified to upgrade the system, strengthen monitoring, and reduce NRW rates to ensure that every drop of water reaches the people.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said the Federal Government was committed to strengthening policies and implementation in the water sector through a more sustainable and integrated approach.
“This includes investment in smart technology, holistic water resource management, and inter-agency cooperation to ensure the country’s water security is always guaranteed,” he said in a Facebook post in conjunction with World Water Day (WWD) celebrations yesterday.
Fadillah said Malaysia was blessed with abundant water resources, but the challenges of management and sustainability were becoming increasingly complex due to climate change and rapid development.
“We cannot take the threat of water source pollution lightly. Irresponsible activities, waste disposal, and land use changes are putting pressure on our rivers and dams,” he said.
He added that the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040) also served as Malaysia’s long-term plan to improve the country’s water management, ensure a sufficient clean water supply, and make the water sector more modern and sustainable.
However, Fadillah said the government’s efforts alone were not sufficient without the support of the people, and water-saving practices need to be a daily culture.
“Use water wisely, fix leaks at home, and avoid wastage.
“Every small action we take has a big impact on the future of the country’s water supply,” he said, Bernama reported.
The international WWD theme this year is “Water and Gender Equality,” which emphasises justice, equality and the role of all parties, regardless of gender, in managing water resources.
Meanwhile, the national-level WWD theme, “Water Belongs to Everyone,” serves as a reminder that every individual has the right to clean, safe and sufficient water for a healthy and dignified life.
