water efficiency

Issues*Over-emphasis on water supply managementThe water management system in Malaysia employs and depends heavily on the water supply management approach to cater to demand. This approach is unsustainable in the long run as water demand will eventually overtake water supply.

*Institutional issues Malaysia lacks a central agency to manage the overall aspects of water resources management. Too many agencies have jurisdiction over different aspects of water management, leading to sectional management of water and conflicting or competing objectives. 

*High rates of water wastage Rates of water wastage in domestic, industrial and agricultural use are very high and this is unsustainable in the long term. Compared to other countries, Malaysia uses and wastes too much water. 

*Changing weather patterns Globally and locally, the climate and weather are changing and this is affecting water resources. For example, the 1997/98 El Nino brought severe drought resulting in water crises in many parts of Malaysia. Water planning in Malaysia does not adequately take into account changes in weather patterns.

.Per Capita Water Withdrawal for Domestic Use in Southeast Asia, 2002 (cubic metre)

*High rates of Non-revenue Water (NRW) Rates of NRW in Malaysia are much too high with the national average being 40%. This equals a loss of 40 litres out of every 100 litres of treated water. 

*Privatization of the water sector several water privatisation schemes have not produced desirable results.

*Destruction and degradation of water catchments Many water catchments in the country have yet to be gazetted and protected.

*Legislation Most legislation relating to water is outdated and needs to be reviewed in today’s context. 

*Water pollution Water pollution is a serious problem in Malaysia and impacts negatively on the sustainability of water resources.

*Inefficient agricultural water use Agriculture uses about 68% of total water consumption in Malaysia but irrigation efficiency is 50% at best in the larger irrigation schemes and less than 40% in the smaller ones.

Water and green appliances

The Putra jaya Wetland Cells

Rainwater harvesting system

Rainwater Harvesting System in Buildings (case study) Putra jaya

Despite the non-mandatory requirement of the national Rainwater Guidelines 1999, Putra jaya Corporation has made an effort in encouraging the developer to build the rainwater harvesting system if it is found to be commercially viable in the planning submission for buildings and residential houses in Putra jaya. When the system is installed in the new development in the future, it will reduce the dependency over piped water and may reduce the need for interstate water transfer. This, together with the lake and wetland, will ensure the sustainability of water management in Putra jaya.

Conclusion

[1] Keyes, A. M., M. Schmitt, and J. L. Hinkle. 2004. Critical Components of Conservation Programs that Get Results: A National Analysis. American Water Works Association, Water Conference Proceedings. (cited in Terrebonne, R.P., 2005. Residential Water Demand Management Programs: A Selected Review of the Literature. Water Policy Working Paper

# 2005-002.) [2] Butler, D. & Memon, F.A., 2006. Water Demand Management. [3] Laman Rasmi Kementerian Tenaga, Teknologi Hijau dan Air. Kempen Kesedaran Penjimatan Air Kebangsaan. Accessible from http://www.kttha.gov.my/bm/template01.asp?contentid=237 [4] Tay, T. K. (2008). Singapore’s Experience in Water Demand Management. [5] Koh, M., 2009. Personal correspondence Koh, M. (Sr. Manager Network Services, PUB)

to Phong, G. (MNS Selangor Branch Chair). [6] Malaysian Water Association, 2008. Malaysia Water Industry Guide 2007. [7] Lee, P. O., 2005. Water Management Issues in Singapore. (Paper presented at Water in Mainland Southeast Asia 29 Nov – 2 Dec 2005, Siem Reap.) [8] Federal Dept. of Town and Country Planning, 2005. National Physical Plan.

References: