THE Federal Government has allocated RM796.4 million in loans to state governments this year to finance water supply projects across Malaysia, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced on Sunday.
Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the allocation forms part of the government’s response to the expected dry conditions and droughts brought by the Southwest Monsoon.
“As of May, this year, 28 projects are being implemented under this initiative,” Bernama reported him telling reporters after attending a sacrificial rites programme in Kampung Tupong Jaya, Sarawak.
Of these, 12 projects are located in Sabah, two in Kedah, one in Kelantan, three in Pahang, three in Terengganu, five in Sarawak, and two in Perlis.
“These projects are at various stages of implementation, and seven are expected to be completed by the end of the year,” he added.
Separately, Fadillah said the ministry is currently focusing on addressing the issue of non-revenue water (NRW)—treated water lost before reaching consumers due to leakages, poor infrastructure or theft.
“When pipe connections are faulty, leakages occur. Some of our old pipelines have deteriorated. On average, we estimate that the country loses around 40 percent of treated water.
“That’s a substantial cost. We process water, yet 40 percent of it is lost before reaching consumers,” he said.
As such, the ministry is prioritising efforts to reassess the existing pipeline network and replace damaged pipes to curb these losses and improve water delivery efficiency. - June 8, 2025
