Selangor is studying a desalination plant to boost water supply by 300 million litres daily, addressing future demand and ensuring long-term sustainability
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is studying the feasibility of a seawater desalination plant to ensure the long-term sustainability of clean water supply.
State Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the proposed infrastructure could increase clean water production capacity by about 300 million litres per day.
He confirmed that two potential sites have already been proposed for the project. A final decision will be based on technical, strategic and cost considerations, including its overall business viability.
Izham was responding to a question from R. Rajiv (PH-Bukit Gasing) regarding the project’s feasibility and its potential impact on service costs and water tariffs. He provided details on the state’s current water capacity during the state assembly sitting.
Selangor’s current water reserve margin stands at around 17.4%, or 1,130 million litres per day. Total clean water production capacity from all 34 water treatment plants is 6,500 million litres per day, with average actual demand at 5,370 million litres per day.
The reserve is classified as high based on guidelines from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). However, demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) expects the required annual water reserve capacity to increase by about 20% over the next five years. Several new treatment plants are already in the pipeline to meet this future demand.
The Rasau water treatment plant Phase 1, with a 700 million litres per day capacity, is expected to be completed in early 2027. Rasau Phase 2 (700 million litres per day) is slated for 2031.
Furthermore, the Labohan Dagang plant Phase 2 (200 million litres per day) is scheduled for 2029. The Langat 2 plant Phase 2 (760 million litres per day) is expected to be completed in 2030.
