KUALA LUMPUR: Johor has sufficient water reserves to meet current demand despite recurring supply disruptions in several areas, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
His assurance came amid concerns over whether the water supply of the state can cope with growing demand from data centres.
Several new facilities are planned in Johor.
Fadillah said the state currently has a water reserve margin of about 14.4%.
Water operators that fail to meet service standards could face action from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
Responding to concerns over frequent water supply interruptions in Johor Baru, Fadillah said disruptions were often caused by technical issues or maintenance works.
The disruptions were not caused by a shortage of water.
“Based on current demand and production, Johor already has a reserve margin of about 14.4%,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (June 24).
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said several projects are being implemented to strengthen water supply in the state.
Projects under the Department of Water Supply involve federal investment of about RM1.63bil.
The projects are expected to provide an additional 1,337 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water and are scheduled for completion by 2027.
He said another four projects under Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), financed through loans worth RM1.17bil, are expected to add 388 MLD of supply.
“If disruptions occur, water tankers are deployed to affected areas," he said.
That is the responsibility of utility operators and the state government.
Fadillah said SPAN would continue monitoring the performance of water operators to ensure reliable supply for both consumers and industry.
“They will face action if they do not perform according to the standards set by SPAN,” he said.
On concerns that data centres could place additional pressure on water resources, Fadillah said the federal government had established a Data Centre Task Force.
The task force is chaired by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry to assess new investments and their infrastructure requirements.
He said investors are now required to make firm commitments on their projected water and electricity needs to prevent phantom demand.
“If they request a certain amount of supply, they must commit to using it," he said.
If they do not, they can be penalised.
Fadillah added that the government is encouraging data centre operators to use recycled water.
They are also encouraged to invest in technologies that reduce water and energy consumption, particularly for cooling systems.
He said all proposals would be assessed by federal and state authorities to ensure compliance with water, energy and environmental requirements before approval is granted.
