KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) aims to achieve 98 per cent coverage of clean water and sanitation in rural areas by the end of 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that as of 2023, urban and rural water supply access coverage was at 97.1 per cent each, while sanitation services covered 84.4 per cent in major cities.
His speech text was read by PETRA's Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir at the opening ceremony of ASIAWATER 2024 here.
He said that the initiative is in line with Malaysia's main objective of MADANI to improve the welfare of the people while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6) to ensure access to sustainable water management and sanitation for all.
"In our efforts to achieve these targets, we will focus on four main initiatives to address the challenges facing our water industry."First, we must ensure a reliable water future through strategic planning and developing water infrastructure."In addition to systematic water infrastructure planning, other initiatives by the ministry include exploring alternative measures to support objectives in providing continuous and sufficient water supply and resources, such as water catchment systems and reuse of water for industrial purposes."Second, we must address the financial sustainability of water operators. A healthy water industry requires healthy operators. "We will strive to establish long-term financial stability, enabling continuous investment in critical infrastructure improvements," he said at the opening ceremony of ASIAWATER 2024 here today.
Also present were ASIAWATER 2024 Advisor, Datuk Teo Yen Hua, and President of the Malaysian Water Association (MWA), Mohmad Asari Daud.
This year, ASIAWATER showcased over 1,000 brands and companies showcasing the latest technologies, solutions, products, and services.
The exhibition outlines various water needs, ensuring participants find the tools needed to build a sustainable water future.
Fadillah said there is an urgent need to optimise operations across the entire water industry.
"This means using our resources more efficiently, minimizing waste, and maximising the value we get from every drop of water."Therefore, the implementation of the National Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Program will be enhanced to further reduce the NRW percentage to 31 per cent by 2025 in line with our national target," he added.--ends-