THE chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has called on Malaysians particularly those up north to consider not washing their vehicles throughout the heatwave and drought which has hit the country.
Its chairman Charles Santiago said there has to be a change in how water resources are sourced and managed especially in the northern region where the prolonged drought is threatening sound water supply to consumers in Langkawi (Kedah) and Penang.
Unless there is a change in the weather pattern, Santiago said that car washes may need to be temporarily closed for now to ensure that only essential use of water is applicable; from washing and bathing as well as most importantly drinking water.
In a message to mark World Water Day, which was celebrated globally yesterday, Santiago said consumers must now learn to minimise use and to recycle water, especially those originating from industries and households.
For now, he said consumers need to assist water concessionaires to cope with the drought by reducing the use of water.
Santiago also called on water authorities in Kedah and Penang to begin undertaking contingency plans to deal with the drought.
This includes an effective water conservation plan, banning the use of non-essentials such as car washes and limiting the watering of plants and landscaping.
Most importantly, he also stressed that consumers must be taught to respect Mother Earth and enjoy its bounty, he said.
Shareholder capitalism has only destroyed this planet that we share because it is profit-driven and not people or planet-driven, said Santiago, adding that one of SPAN’s main focuses is to achieve net zero emissions by 2034.
And to do so, he said the nation needs to shift to a regenerative economy.
"This means we need to prioritise our relationship with the most vital social and economic stakeholders, which are nature and all living beings."
This translates to forging collaborations that are sustainable where businesses are investing in natural resources like exploring ways to reforest, creating more wetlands and carbon sinks; where ideas such as regenerative agriculture are explored and innovated to improve water-efficiency use, he added - The Vibes, March 23, 2024.
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