05/03/2025

WEDNESDAY | MAR 5, 2025

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Air Selangor intensifies efforts to address water scarcity

“Physical works began in October 2023, with the latest on-site progress at 28.16%. The project is expected to be completed by January 2026,” he said. As a short-term solution, he said DID is carrying out minor works under the River Rehabilitation Project to reduce flood risks. “A total allocation of RM37.8 million was channelled to Sarawak between 2022 and 2024 for 360 quotations, focusing on key works such as river channelling, riverbank stabilisation, and upgrading drainage and related structures to improve river water quality. – Bernama GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Hill funicular train service will be closed for its second annual scheduled maintenance from June 16 to June 22. The Penang Hill Corporation said in a statement that the funicular train service will resume operations on June 23. “The corporation carries out two scheduled maintenance every year under the supervision of engineers from the funicular manufacturer (Garaventa AG of Switzerland) to ensure that the train service is always in its best condition. “The second annual scheduled maintenance involves replacing the bogies for the Mutiara coach and inspecting the electrical and electronic systems. The corporation also conducts periodic inspections and maintenance on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, as well as daily routine checks after operating hours.” The statement added that during the maintenance period, visitors could opt to use the jeep service managed by the Penang Hill Jeep Service Drivers Association at the temporary hawker site next to the Penang Botanical Garden Department. They can contact the association at 012-454 1255. Another alternative is to use the hiking trail to reach the top of Penang Hill. “For further inquiries, contact the corporation at 04-828 8880 or email inquiries@penanghill.gov.my,” it added. – Bernama Additional ETS trains for Hari Raya KUALA LUMPUR: Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will provide four additional Electric Train Service (ETS) trains from March 28 to April 6 to meet travel needs in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. It said the additional services would involve two trips for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar-KL Sentral route, and two trips for the KL Sentral-Butterworth-KL Sentral route. “This move is to meet the high demand since existing tickets for the ETS have been sold out,” it said in a statement. Throughout its operational period, the additional ETS trains will offer 1,260 seats daily, including business class seat selection, with a total of 12,600 seats provided to meet the high passenger demand. Additional ETS tickets are on sale from 10am. The tickets can be purchased via cashless payment through the KTM Mobile (KITS) app, the official KTMB website at www.ktmb.com.my or the KTMB kiosks. The public can contact the KTMB Call Centre at 03-9779 1200 or visit the KTMB’s official social media platforms for more information. – Bernama Funicular rail service to close in June for maintenance

o Ongoing projects expected to increase total supply capacity from 6.03 billion to 8.76 billion litres per day by 2030, says CEO

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Air Selangor is intensifying efforts to address public concerns over water scarcity by investing in major infrastructure projects to enhance supply reliability and sustainability. Its CEO Adam Saffian Ghazali told theSun that Air Selangor has implemented various measures to expand water supply capacity while ensuring a reliable and safe water supply for consumers. He said the total water supply capacity of the ongoing projects is expected to increase from the current 6.035 billion to 8.765 billion litres per day by 2030. “The Rasau Water Supply Scheme Phase 1, set for completion in 2027, will deliver 700 million litres per day (MLD) of water to 467,000 accounts in Klang and parts of Kuala Langat, with further expansions planned. “Phase 2, expected in 2028, will add 700 MLD, benefiting consumers in Klang and Petaling. Upon completion, the entire Rasau Water Supply Scheme will have a total capacity of 1,400 MLD.” Adam Saffian said Air Selangor plans to implement Langat 2 Water Supply Scheme Phase 2, managed by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad, which is set for completion by 2030 with a capacity of 1,130 MLD. “Meanwhile, the Labohan Dagang Water Supply Scheme Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2029, with a capacity of 200 MLD. “As the largest water services provider in Malaysia, it is imperative that we ensure that our infrastructure is at the highest level to ensure the reliability, stability and sustainability of the water supply,” he said. His comments follow theSun ’s Feb 25 report highlighting concerns that Malaysia’s water treatment system may struggle to meet rising demand due to increasing domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs, as well as rapid urbanisation and economic growth. “We believe continuous investment is key to enhancing infrastructure, including water treatment plants and distribution networks, while integrating advanced technologies to ensure clean and safe treated water for all. “Our total water reserve margin has increased to 18.60% in 2024, up from 15.34% in

Adam Saffian said Air Selangor is dedicated to improving water distribution efficiency and cutting non-revenue water losses through strategic initiatives. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

2023, as a result of close monitoring of dams and water treatment plants (WTP), as well as the progressive completion of Langat 2 WTP,” said Adam Saffian. He added that Air Selangor is set to roll out its Water Conservation Roadmap (2025-2030) to promote efficient water use, aligning with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry’s goal of reducing per capita water consumption to 160 litres per day by 2030. “We are committed to strengthening the water supply system through long-term initiatives, including portable WTP and water reclamation efforts that will enhance distribution efficiency and act as backups during maintenance or emergencies.” Adam Saffian said Air Selangor is dedicated to improving water distribution efficiency and cutting non-revenue water (NRW) losses through strategic initiatives. As of 2024, NRW has been reduced to 27%, saving 298.36 million litres of water daily. “By 2030, the goal is to lower NRW to 25% through performance-based contracts (PBC), which will allow collaboration with contractors to enhance efficiency and share savings without requiring high upfront investments.”

Adam Saffian said to address infrastructure challenges while managing financial and environmental concerns, Air Selangor is doubling efforts to replace 5,000km of ageing pipes by 2040, accelerating NRW reduction through PBC, and setting up new district metering zones to regulate water pressure and minimise leaks. “Advanced technologies such as pressure transient monitoring, leak detection loggers, and an intelligent command centre for real-time data integration will also be implemented to enhance water management efficiency.” Adam Saffian said Air Selangor has introduced various initiatives to promote water conservation, including the Water Handbook to educate Malaysians on sustainable water use, installed water-efficient taps in mosques to reduce wastage, and raise awareness in public spaces. To engage younger audiences, it has partnered with BoBoiBoy animated series to encourage water-saving habits among children. Consumers can report pipe leaks, bursts, meter leaks, and illegal tapping to help curb NRW through the “Report Leaks” feature in the Air Selangor app.

Govt implements mitigation projects to curb Sarawak floods KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, through the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), has listed two projects costing RM51.5 million under the First Rolling Plan (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as part of efforts to mitigate flooding in Sarawak. “The main scope of these projects is to deepen the rivers to increase their capacity to accommodate high water flow, especially during the rainy season. measures and plans to address worsening floods, particularly in the Trusan, Kemena, and Miri Rivers in Sarawak, where the estuaries are becoming increasingly shallow. Fadillah said the ministry is also implementing the Miri River Flood Mitigation Plan within the Miri River Basin at a total cost of RM31 million.

“The ministry, through DID, will also submit a proposal for the Miri River Estuary Rehabilitation Project in Miri Division, involving dredging works estimated to cost RM16.6 million under RP2 of 13MP,” he said during a question-and answer session in the Dewan Negara here yesterday. He was replying to Senator Abun Sui Anyit, who wanted to know about flood mitigation

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the projects involved the rehabilitation of the Batang Kemena Estuary in Bintulu Division and the Trusan River Estuary in Limbang Division.

“This project covers the areas of Lutong, Krokop and Jalan Jee Foh. Once completed, it is expected to protect more than 5,000 residents from flood risks and reduce the flood-prone area by up to 600ha.