WATER SECTOR TARGETS ACHIEVABLE, SAYS GOVT
Govt aims for 99pc of supply coverage and 85pc of connected sewerage services, among others
MALAYSIA’S target to expand water supply coverage and improve the quality of the water services industry by 2020 is achievable, says Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Dr Tan Yew Chong.
Under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), the government targets National Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of 99 per cent for water supply coverage, 85 per cent connected sewerage services and 31 per cent reduction in non-revenue water by 2020.
Tan said the government had drawn out policy direction, strategies, plans and projects to be implemented with key focus areas, including enhancing both the quantity and quality of water supply, expanding access to water and sewerage services, strengthening the regulatory framework and modernising the sewerage sector using new technologies and processes.
He said more than RM1.2 billion had been allocated to the ministry to develop water and wastewater projects.
“This shows the Malaysian government’s commitment to meet targets set under the 11MP, which is to strengthen infrastructure in line with economic expansion.
“Hence, the budget allocation clearly indicates that the government is investing heavily in the water and sewerage sectors as they act as the central nerve of the economy.
“I strongly believe that meeting these targets is not a tall order,” he said in his opening address at the 10th International Conference and Exhibition on Trenchless Technology (Trenchless Asia 2018), here, yesterday.
Tan said to date, nationwide water supply coverage was at 96.4 per cent, connected sewerage services at 78.7 per cent and onrevenue water at 34.6 per cent.
Besides, he said establishing new partnerships between the public and private sectors was vital in today’s rapidly changing world.
“I feel it is important to share the synergy between the public and private sectors in Malaysia towards transforming the nation’s economic development, amid accounting for our diversity in globalised world,” he said.
Meanwhile, the International Society for Trenchless Technology executive director Peter Smeallie said products and techniques were rapidly advancing, which make Trenchless events vital for authorities, decision makers and implementers to get full conspectus and share experiences. “Trenchless is a developing global industry. As population expands around the world and with the trend of urbanisation, trenchless techniques are going to continue to evolve and become more necessary.”