PETALING JAYA – Restrictions may be imposed on the use of water for non-essential purposes such as watering lawns and parks especially when faced with water shortages or crises.
According to National Water Services Commission chairman Charles Santiago, SPAN is in the midst of amending the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655), and this is among the considerations to be included.
“The amendments will also enable reclaimed water sources to be used as an alternative source for non-potable use.
“Under this proposal, sewerage services will include the treatment and production of reclaimed water whereas water supply services will include distribution and supply of reclaimed water to consumers,” he said.
He was speaking at the forum Rising to the Water Regulatory Challenge and Future Challenges in Putrajaya, today.
Santiago said the water sector involves major capital expenditure development and was therefore prone to misconduct or leakages.
Integrity and governance is one of the critical challenges to the sustainable management of water and sewerage services, he said.
He said the typical examples of misconduct or leakages in the water services sector include bribery related to the awarding of projects and procurement process and nepotism in providing access to jobs or promotion.
“We need a strong integrity and governance system in place to reduce corruption, leakages and abuse of power.
“As the regulatory body of the water services industry, SPAN practices zero tolerance against corruption.
“The top management and staff of water supply and sewerage operators, contractors as well as certifying agencies are required to comply with the integrity framework,” he said.
He added SPAN has also proposed that operators and suppliers in the water supply and sewerage services industry allocate 1% of their annual operating budget for the integrity programme.
It is designed to educate all staff members on the corruption framework including senior management and members of the board, he added.
Santiago also said it was to bring in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework in the way water sustainably is managed as this could benefit the water sector.
“By incorporating ESG practices into the service providers’ business and work plan, I believe we could better manage and adapt to the challenges of water management while driving sustainable growth and positive societal impact,” he said.
He urged all parties involved in the water services industry to focus on an ESG framework in their organisation to bring the water industry in Malaysia to a higher standard.
The effort would be in line with the federal government’s initiative to shape the future of industries in Malaysia by emphasising ESG. – The Vibes, September 26, 2023
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