By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
AMPANG JAYA, Aug 11 — Efforts made to increase the sustainability of Selangor’s raw water resources cover all aspects to ensure a secure and safe water supply for the people.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that the state’s water sector transformation include strengthening laws, identifying new water resources, gazetting raw water reserves, and utilising smart technology.
“Selangor has also carried out various programmes to ensure a sustainable and resilient water supply. This is why, during dry seasons, water reserves can last between six and nine months. The state has reserves outside the rivers, an initiative that has been in progress since 2013.
“We have expanded the reserves by identifying 100 alternative water source ponds, 20 of which have already been gazetted as protected zones. The remaining 80 will be gazetted from time to time.
“With this, we have outlined a plan that would ensure sufficient raw water supply until 2050,” he said when met after launching the state-level World Water Day 2024 at Tasik Pandan Perdana, here yesterday.
Amirudin stated further that enforcing stringent laws by increasing fines up to RM1 million for water polluters, along with introducing the Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP), proves the state administration’s commitment to preserving water sustainability.
“We are also implementing the Raw Water Security Scheme (SJAM), which includes various projects, such as pumps for immediate water distribution. This could enable us to manage 80 to 90 per cent of pollution issues.
“Other efforts include seeking new water supply sources, where through the construction of the Sungai Rasau water treatment plant (WTP), we already have a new raw water source from Sungai Klang, which sees improved quality,” he said.
Previously, Amirudin said that the Sungai Rasau WTP, expected to be completed by 2026, would become the largest and most advanced plant in Southeast Asia, capable of producing 1,400 million litres of clean water daily (MLD).
He added that the long-term project could increase the water reserve margin, especially for users in the Klang, Petaling, and Kuala Langat.
