SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is studying the feasibility of a seawater desalination plant to ensure clean water supply sustainability, says Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim (pic).
He said building such infrastructure could increase clean water production by about 300 million litres per day (MLD).
"Two sites have been proposed but a final decision will be made based on technical, strategic and cost considerations, including its overall business viability," he said at the Selangor state assembly sitting on Wednesday (April 22).
He was responding to a supplementary question from R. Rajiv (PH-Bukit Gasing), who wanted to know the feasibility of such infrastructure as well as its impact on service costs and water tariffs, if implemented.
Izham said Selangor's current water reserve margin stands at around 17.4%, or 1,130 MLD, while total clean water production capacity from all 34 water treatment plants (LRAs) is 6,500 MLD, with average actual demand at 5,370 MLD.
He said Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) also expects the required annual water reserve capacity to increase by about 20% over the next five years.
"Selangor's water reserve is classified as high based on the reserve margin guidelines set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), which is above 15%," he said.
"Four LRAs that are under construction or in the pipeline are the Rasau LRA Phase 1, with a capacity of 700 MLD, expected to be completed in early 2027; Rasau LRA Phase 2 (700 MLD) in 2031; Labohan Dagang LRA Phase 2 (200 MLD) in 2029; and Langat 2 LRA Phase 2 (760 MLD), which is expected to be completed in 2030," he said. – Bernama
