SHAH ALAM, Nov 15 — Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd’s (Air Selangor) plan to develop a Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) will bolster the state government's ongoing efforts to ensure a reliable supply of clean water for the public.
Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Institute for Social Science Studies head of laboratory Assoc Prof Haliza Abdul Rahman said the project also aligns with the circular economy, which focuses on reusing waste resources to reduce pressure on the environment.
She explained that potable water can be prioritised for households, as the data centre industry does not rely solely on treated drinking water. This, she said, would help ease the strain on the state’s water supply system during crises or peak-demand periods.
These efforts demonstrate the commitment of the state government and water operator to sustainable development by supporting non-potable water use for specific industries like data centres and investing in infrastructure, including treatment plants and distribution pipes.
“This initiative supports the Water Sector Transformation 2040 (AIR 2040) vision, which positions treated water as a renewable resource.
“With more alternative sources, Air Selangor could have a better safety margin to accommodate supply disruptions, infrastructure replacement, or sudden spikes in demand.
“Overall, the approach implemented by Selangor should not only be seen as an example, but could also serve as a national model to guarantee long-term water security and support sustainable economic development,” she told Bernama today.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s (UKM) Climate Change Institute head of the Environmental Management Centre, Assoc Prof Wan Hanna Melini Wan Mohtar, said reclaimed water is a safer alternative as it is sourced directly from sewage treatment plants, which operate in controlled and enclosed environments, making it less vulnerable to pollution.
She said that if the use of reclaimed water becomes widespread in industry, it could indirectly help address the risk of water crises in the Klang Valley, particularly during dry seasons.
“A stable, additional source of reclaimed water means that a portion of the existing water volume, which was previously allocated to industry, can now be reallocated as a supplementary volume for domestic use.
“The Selangor government's initiative is worthy of being implemented in every state facing high industrial water demand and significant pressure on existing river and reservoir resources. It can also cater to the needs of industry, agriculture, cleaning, or landscaping purposes."
On Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof urged more global and local industry players to collaborate closely with water and sewerage operators, as well as government agencies, to introduce innovative solutions resilient to climate change.
Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra) Minister, said this cross-sector cooperation is crucial to accelerating Malaysia's shift towards sustainable water management and ensuring long-term water security.
He said the joint announcement involving Amazon Web Services (AWS), Air Selangor, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), and the Selangor government demonstrates how coordination between federal and state governments, coupled with private sector participation, can deliver meaningful impact for communities, industry and the nation.
