Senators urge the government to invest in groundwater reservoirs to combat floods and water shortages, highlighting massive annual losses and high non-revenue water rates.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Negara debate on the Supply Bill 2026 was dominated by climate change issues, particularly flood management and clean water supply.
Eight senators raised their concerns during the second day of deliberations, focusing on long-term solutions.
Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin urged the government to explore groundwater reservoir technology as a strategic flood mitigation measure.
He proposed that excess rainwater be harnessed as an additional water source for supply and irrigation during dry spells.
Salehuddin cited the successful implementation of this approach in Sydney, Australia, as a model for flood-prone states like Kelantan, Terengganu and Selangor.
He acknowledged the significant investment required but argued it would be worthwhile compared to annual flood losses.
“However, when we consider the annual losses caused by floods – such as the RM3.1 billion recorded in Selangor in 2021 alone, and recurring nationwide flood losses amounting to RM100 million each year – the investment required to develop such a reservoir system would be far more worthwhile in the long term,” he said.
He stressed that the government must act swiftly by implementing pilot projects in strategic locations.
Salehuddin noted that modern floods disrupt productivity, impact community well-being and hinder economic activity in urban areas.
Meanwhile, Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli raised concerns over ongoing water supply disruptions in Selangor, Sabah and Sarawak.
He urged the government to provide clear assurances that water services will be improved.
Dr Mohd Hatta also advocated prioritising the use of more sustainable and stable groundwater sources.
Senator Datuk Anna Belle @ Suzieana Perian highlighted the critical issue of Non-Revenue Water in Sabah.
She noted that nearly 57% of treated water is lost there due to ageing pipelines from the 1990s.
This rate is among the highest in Southeast Asia, compared to about 25% in Sarawak and 33% in Peninsular Malaysia.
She said extensive pipeline leakages have severely affected access to clean water, underscoring the need for structural reforms.
Perian noted the federal government has allocated RM1 billion, the largest investment in Sabah’s water sector to date.
The allocation includes replacing about 400 kilometres of pipes in Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan, Sandakan and Tawau.
Senator Azahar Hassan urged the government to accelerate assistance delivery to all flood victims.
He noted that both those who relocate to relief centres and those who remain at home suffer significant losses.
The Dewan Negara sitting continues.
