GEORGE TOWN – Amid the effects of climate change, Malaysia needs a federal water management authority to oversee supply and usage, instead of leaving it to the respective states, said the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago said state water authorities should understand the need for transboundary supply agreements and the sharing of water catchment resources.
Among his recommendations is to now make it mandatory for all property development to have rainwater harvesting devices to recycle wastewater and to reduce how fresh water is used.
He said it makes economic sense for Perak to provide water to Penang, which can treat it and send it back to Perak and even supply it to Kedah and Perlis in the north.
“We need a national identity on water management. We do not want states to use this commodity as means to make insane profits. Also, access to clean water is a fundamental human right that needs to be upheld.
“We need to change the policies and culture on how water is sourced, treated, used and distributed in view of climate change effects,” he told journalists here yesterday.
He added that the effects of climate change could see water becoming a scarce commodity unless conservation measures are put in place while exploring effective sourcing methods.
Meanwhile, he said SPAN is not supportive of the desalination (conversion of saltwater to freshwater) proposition that the Penang Water Supply Corporation is considering as it is not cost-effective.
“It is best for the better sharing of the water resources between states rather than tap into the desalination.”
He also suggested that all water resource facilities, such as dams managed by the states, ensure that vehicles entering the premises are equipped with GPS equipment.
This will ensure that movements are monitored to ensure that there are no untoward incidents or pollution of water resources, he added. – The Vibes, May 20, 2023
