We don’t value water enough in Malaysia

WATER, that most basic of life’s necessities, is often taken for granted until scarcity looms.

In Malaysia, the scarcity that crops up has complex and varied reasons which can be difficult to understand when we have so much rain – too much when it floods – and seemingly uncountable numbers of rivers.

And that is a problem: A culture of water abundance has fostered a wasteful mindset in this country.

Individually, we use water like it will never run out, leaving taps and hoses running, not bothering to harvest the precious liquid when it falls from the skies.

Collectively, so many of our city, town and village councils keep developing the life out of forests that are a crucial part of the water cycle, while private companies have no compunction dumping pollutants into our rivers.

Despite all this a lot of us still have water at the turn of a tap.

The problem is, that will not continue for long because of climate change.

The island-wide water supply disruption in Penang doesn’t have much to do with a warming globe and everything to do with having to upgrade ageing infrastructure.

But imagine such a disruption nationwide. Imagine having water only for a few hours in a day or a few days in a week. Permanently.

Parts of rural Malaysia, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, live with such disruption already but us pampered urbanites and suburbanites would cry havoc.

That is what we could be facing in the near future.

The climate crisis has altered weather patterns, leading to erratic rainfall – too much, causing floods, too little, leading to shortages.

Our usual monsoon periods are exacerbated and there is more talk of “once in a decade” and “once in a century” flood levels.

Our usual dry spells, especially up north where the country’s rice bowls are, will likely see the same increase in intensity.

Other parts of the world are experiencing water conflicts already, along borders between countries, in regions within countries (see page 18 for how many water conflicts are already happening globally).

Even in Malaysia, there have been hard words between states over the supply of water.

A large part of dealing with the climate crisis lies in mitigation.

While governments work internationally on carbon emission curbs and other measures, we, the people – you and I – cannot wait for those measures to have an effect in five, 10 years.

We can, indeed must, begin now with individual actions to ensure the supply of our water at least.

Something as simple as rainwater harvesting can help ease pressure on municipal supplies.

From low-flow faucets to water-efficient toilets, every drop saved contributes to the sustainability of the nation’s water resources.

Reusing grey water – water from showers, sinks, and washing machines – will certainly help too. While not suitable for drinking, it can be repurposed for non-essential uses, such as toilet flushing and watering the garden.

Fixing leaks and turning taps off when not in use might seem like unlikely conservation methods but such small, daily actions collectively make a substantial impact.

Of course, the Malaysian government has a huge role to play as well, because policy initiatives can drive change.

Tax incentives for rainwater harvesting systems, stringent water-saving requirements in building codes, and rewards for businesses reducing their water footprint are necessary steps.

Beyond policy, education is crucial. The government must collaborate with schools, local communities, and the media to disseminate information about the importance of water conservation.

Australia, often called the driest country on the driest continent in the world, began water conservation education decades ago and today, even young children automatically turn taps off and use water sparingly.

The steps taken today will determine the water security of tomorrow, not just for Malaysia but for the world at large. The path forward requires a collective shift in mindset and action, embracing conservation as a way of life.