21/08/2025

THURSDAY | AUG 21, 2025

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Water, energy resources anchor M’sia as tech hub: PM

PKR sec-gen to be consulted on objection letter PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would consult PKR secretary general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh on Umno’s letter objecting to the admission of its former members into other parties within the unity government. “We received the letter some time ago. I will check with the secretary-general,“ he said after attending the Finance Ministry’s monthly assembly yesterday. On Aug 17, PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed receipt of the letter, adding that the party’s central leadership council was expected to deliberate on it by the end of the month. The objection came in the wake of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz confirming his membership in PKR last week after leaving Umno. Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was reported as saying that the letter was a symbolic protest, warning that such moves could strain ties within the fragile ruling coalition. The controversy erupted after Tengku Zafrul, who quit Umno in May and relinquished his posts as Kota Raja division chief and supreme council member, announced his membership in PKR’s Ampang division. His application was formally accepted by the PKR leadership last month. Several Umno leaders had previously urged PKR not to admit the former finance minister, arguing that it would undermine trust among coalition partners. Earlier, in his address at the assembly, Anwar defended the appointment of Datuk M. Kumar as Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director, stressing that it is not a racial issue but one based on merit and the individual’s ability to shoulder responsibility. “There were even criticisms in Parliament, with some opposition MPs questioning how nearly 90% of personnel in the police’s criminal division are Malays. “Their chief is Kumar, an Indian. Whoever is capable should be given the space. The IGP is Malay, the deputy IGP is Malay and most of the directors are Malay. To me, this is not an issue.” Call to sustain Moro peace process MANILA: Malaysia has expressed hope for sustained coordination between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after the group suspended the decommissioning of its final batch of combatants, Philippine News Agency reported. “I hope all parties will continue to work together. This is something that the parties will have to resolve themselves. “We want all parties to come together – that’s the most important part,” said Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Datuk Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino in Taguig City on Tuesday. He was commenting about the latest development in the Bangsamoro peace process. In a memorandum dated Aug 16, MILF chairman Alhadj Murad Ebrahim instructed all commanders and members not to join any decommissioning or normalisation activities of the government“without prior written approval” from the MILF. The directive followed a July 19 resolution by the MILF Central Committee, which temporarily suspended the implementation of the fourth and final phase of the decommissioning process. Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro peace process, the MILF is to undergo a phased decommissioning. – Bernama Ű BY THE SUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o ‘Malaysia has consistently guaranteed access to basic utilities, with targeted assistance such as free supply for low-income households’

Anwar added that Langat 2 is not only a technical milestone but also a commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable supply for households and industries. Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia’s water supply coverage reached 97% last year, with a “comfortable” reserve margin of 14.9% in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan. He said the sector still faces challenges. He added that there is a need to improve access to treated water, boost reserve margins in some states, tackle problems of non revenue water (NRW), ageing infrastructure and the financial unsustainability of some operators. Fadillah said through the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040, measures under the 13MP would be prioritised, including the Critical Pipe Replacement Programme, holistic NRW solutions and rebates for operators who meet reduction targets. He said these efforts are expected to lower NRW levels to 28.8% by 2030. “I believe these initiatives will significantly strengthen water services, helping consumers face future challenges while securing long term needs.” The Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant, built by Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad for Air Selangor, is Malaysia’s second-largest water facility. With a capacity of 1,130 million litres per day, it now supplies treated water to Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, directly benefiting about 791,000 consumer accounts.

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

“This project showcases our engineering and technical expertise in mastering modern technology. “Although certain components were imported, the management and maintenance have been successfully handled by Malaysians themselves. This is a proud achievement.” Anwar acknowledged Malaysia’s “water paradox” – there are floods several times a year yet shortages in some areas. “In a country where water overflows and floods two or three times annually, it is unthinkable that we still suffer from shortages. This reflects weaknesses in management.” He cited Jordan, which conserves and distributes water effectively despite minimal rainfall, and urged Malaysians to adopt both modern technology and sustainable practices, including reducing wastage in daily routines such as ablution. He stressed that water management would be prioritised under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as part of strengthening economic resilience. “Malaysia cannot bring about meaningful change without economic strength. That strength depends on resilience, energy sufficiency and the capacity of domestic industries to drive growth.”

HULU LANGAT: Malaysia’s pull as a hub for data centres, artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries is largely due to its water and energy resources, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the launch of the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant, he said these resources must be treated as strategic assets not only for public use but also to anchor high-value technology investments. “Ask investors and they will tell you that water and energy are top priorities, followed by our professional workforce. “But for us, it’s not just about availability. They must also remain affordable so that the people are not burdened.” Anwar said Malaysia has consistently guaranteed access to basic utilities, including affordable water, with targeted assistance such as free supply for low-income households. “This is an achievement we can be proud of.” He added that the RM4.2 billion Langat 2 project, largely built by local firms and engineers despite requiring some imported equipment, demonstrates Malaysia’s capacity to manage advanced water infrastructure.

Anwar, accompanied by Fadillah, at the opening of the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant in Hulu Langat yesterday. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN