PAAB pushes water conservation and infrastructure upgrades

New Straits Times

12-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) is intensifying efforts to restructure the nation's water services, with a focus on reducing non-revenue water (NRW), promoting water conservation, and securing sustainable supply systems.
PAAB chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa said the agency is collaborating with stakeholders, including media, to raise awareness on water conservation's role in national development.
"We're educating the public on valuing water, saving it and protecting catchment areas — key to our supply system."
He spoke during a visit to Media Prima headquarters in Bangsar.
He added that PAAB is investing in water infrastructure projects, particularly in states with high NRW rates.
Kelantan, Kedah, Pahang, and Perlis are prioritised for pipe replacements and plant upgrades.
"We've allocated RM1.5 billion to Kelantan, RM1.2 billion to Kedah and RM700 million to Pahang.
"These investments are meant to help state water operators reduce NRW and improve treated water reserve margins."
Jaseni said that Malaysia's national NRW average stands at 37 per cent, meaning only 63 litres out of every 100 litres of treated water reach consumers,
"This loss translates into billions of ringgit in wasted investment.
"Replacing ageing asbestos cement pipes, many beyond their lifespan, is critical.
"There are about 39,000km of such pipes in the system. We aim to replace them within 25 years, aligning with our 2050 restructuring plan.
"There's no point building new treatment plants if water continues to leak before it reaches consumers."
He said PAAB is helping states achieve SPAN's 15 per cent treated water reserve margin to handle dry-season demand spikes.
PAAB is also seeking collaboration with media organisations to push for a national water education campaign.
"Our mission is to help Malaysians understand that water is a basic human right, tied directly to quality of life and economic progress.
"Societies that solve their water issues tend to be healthier, more productive and even have higher mental health outcomes."
He cited developed nations, such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore, as examples of how effective water management contributes to national advancement.
"We must develop a society that values and respects water. When people understand its importance, it leads to broader improvements in public health, productivity, and national wellbeing."
He provided an update on one of PAAB's major infrastructure milestones: the completion of the Langat 2 Phase 1 water treatment plant.
"The RM4.2 billion Langat 2 Phase 1, federally funded, is complete and has resolved Selangor's shortages.
"We've written to invite the prime minister to officiate the project's launch, hopefully in August," he added.
The corporate visit was attended by representatives from PAAB, including chief operating officer Abdul Samad Sulaiman and head of corporate services division Rozaifee Abu Zahari.