Shah alam: The Selangor government is exploring the feasibility of establishing a seawater desalination plant to enhance the sustainability of clean water supply in the state, announced Infrastructure and Agriculture Committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim. The proposed infrastructure aims to augment clean water production capacity by approximately 300 million litres per day (MLD) for local use.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, two potential sites for the desalination plant have been identified. However, the final decision will be influenced by technical, strategic, and cost considerations, including the overall business viability. This information was shared during the Selangor state assembly session in response to a query from R. Rajiv (PH-Bukit Gasing), who inquired about the infrastructure's feasibility and its potential impact on service costs and water tariffs.

Izham elaborated on Selangor's current water reserve margin, which stands at around 17.4 percent, or 1,130 MLD. The total clean water production capacity from all 34 water treatment plants (LRAs) is 6,500 MLD, with an average actual demand of 5,370 MLD. He also noted that Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) anticipates an annual increase in the required water reserve capacity by about 20 percent over the next five years.

Highlighting the state's water reserve status, Izham mentioned that Selangor's water reserve is classified as high according to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) guidelines, which require a reserve margin above 15 percent. He also provided updates on four LRAs either under construction or planned: the Rasau LRA Phase 1 (700 MLD) set for completion in early 2027, Rasau LRA Phase 2 (700 MLD) in 2031, Labohan Dagang LRA Phase 2 (200 MLD) in 2029, and Langat 2 LRA Phase 2 (760 MLD) expected by 2030.