RM52b to preserve quality of raw water, says Najib
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has allocated RM52 billion to preserve the quality of raw water in the country, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
While the country is blessed with 150 rivers, Najib said there should be commitment from all parties to completely treat all kinds of effluent and industrial waste to protect our sources of clean water.
“The three main causes of river pollution identified are agricultural and manufacturing industrial waste, domestic waste and waste from farming activities,” he said.
Following the completion and launch of the Pantai 2 sewerage treatment plant (STP) yesterday, Najib said the government aims to complete 77 sewerage treatment plants by 2040 in line with the National Sewerage Strategic Plan.
“So far, the government has completed 46 sewerage treatment plants in the country,” he said during his speech at the launch of the Pantai 2 STP and Pantai Ecopark here.
The premier pointed out that Pantai 2 STP, the first underground treatment plant in the country and the biggest in the Asia-Pacific region with a 12ha recreational park built on top, has changed the common perception among the rakyat.
“The perception is that sewerage treatment plants are smelly, dirty and an eyesore.
“But we have gathered here to witness a plant that is both clean and modern, an innovation by the government for the rakyat’s convenience,” he said.
Najib said the government has subsidised 90% of RM2.37 billion spent to operate and maintain the country’s sewerage network.