Siena:The government has set a goal to enhance the Water Quality Index of 33 polluted rivers by at least 10 percent within the next year. This initiative aims to recognize state governments that meet this improvement target.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who also serves as the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, stated that this target was established during the second 2026 meeting of the National Special Committee on Addressing River Water Quality Deterioration. Reports from the Department of Environment indicate an increase in the number of polluted rivers, rising from 25 in 2023 to 27 in 2024, and reaching 33 by 2025.
In Selangor, the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) recorded 144 cases of water source pollution over the past three years up to September 2026, with varying degrees of severity. Fadillah acknowledged the efforts of LUAS and other relevant agencies in detecting and tackling pollution but emphasized the need for stronger, more coordinated, and sustained actions.
The pollution of rivers has significant implications, potentially disrupting water treatment plant operations, affecting public water supplies, increasing treatment costs, and impacting economic activities. Fadillah highlighted the importance of prioritizing water resource protection at all administrative levels.
The meeting also included the decision to conduct a pilot study on integrated management of non-point source pollution in a specific local authority area. This study aims to test field data applicability, estimate pollution loads, identify priority areas, and develop appropriate control measures.
Additionally, a Technical Committee on Effluent Discharge Standards will be formed by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government in cooperation with the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia. This committee will oversee the implementation of effluent discharge standards in both urban and rural areas.
The guidelines for installing floating solar panels on water reservoirs and lakes in Malaysia were launched during the meeting. These guidelines are intended to ensure that floating solar developments are executed sustainably, protecting the country's water resources.
The government's integrated efforts demonstrate its commitment to addressing pollution at its source, safeguarding water resources, and ensuring national water security through collaboration between federal and state governments, local authorities, and all stakeholders.