Inter-boundary Water Issues in Malaysia

As of present, Malaysia has set up many water related initiative key objective plans such as Water for People, Water for Economic Development, Water for Food and Rural Development, and Water for Environment in order to ensure all water goals are achieved. Even so, there are still many existing water challenges that we have to look into. And among many of the main water issues in Malaysia, it comprises of:

a) Water Competition Vs Human Growth

The extensive and rapid growth of human population has increased the high demand of water supply. The exponential growth in both urban and rural populations have directly pressured water agencies to provide sufficient water supply, infrastructures and services.

b) Incomprehensible Water Statutes

The existing water legislation system in the country is weak where the centralized power is solely depending on the Malaysian Water Acts 1920 thus there is no stringent enforcement taken to carry out the regulations lawfully. In fact, many of the water related statutes are also out-dated, not revised and only emphasized on limited aspects of water supply and resources.   

c) Non-integrated Water Management System 

There is no clear structural hierarchy of sole authorized agency in the country which is entrusted with the holistic role of national water management and development including both water supply and resources. There are often many conflicts in overlapping of water responsibilities within various agencies and departments at both states and federal levels.

d) Leakages and Water Wastage (Inefficient Water Usage)

The efficiency of proper water usage in both households and premises is low. The water transportation and irrigation systems often experience loss of unaccounted water before it essentially reaches the end-consumers. Most of these water losses are mainly resulted from leakages in the distribution of supply systems and of stolen water via illegal connections.

e) Unsustainable Environment for Water Development

Due to the massive construction of sewerage plants and down-piping development of many water utilities and infrastructures, it has indirectly caused various environmental problems such as land and water pollution to the Mother Nature.

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