KUALA LUMPUR: The country needs to view the access to water from a national security lens, especially in facing the uncertainties of climate change, says the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
"Only then will the water sector get the highest priority in government planning and resource allocation," said its chairman Charles Santiago.
He said Budget 2024 allocated RM1.1bil only for infrastructure development in Sabah, Labuan and Kelantan whereas the building of five littoral combat naval ships cost RM11.9bil despite the country not being at war.
"If the water sector gets a thumping RM11.9bil, tremendous gains to reduce non-revenue water, push towards reclaimed water, cleaning of rivers and development of other infrastructure can be achieved.
"Sufficient water availability can be a major attraction for new businesses such as data centres," said Santiago when delivering a speech at the Water & Water Resources Forum 2023 at the Indah Water headquarters here on Thursday (Nov 2).
Santiago claimed that some companies are leaving Malaysia due to inadequate water resources, but he did not elaborate.
"Time is running out in the face of extreme weather conditions," he added.
He said private firms have an essential role to play in prioritising water, citing a bank's Environmental, Social, and Governance study that showed that water ranked second to last in corporate concerns.
"Rainwater harvesting, reclaimed water, efficient water machinery and no plastic use can help to ensure water is utilised efficiently," added Santiago.
