Non-revenue water management in Malaysia: a review of selected water service providers in Malaysia

Abstract

In the light of global warming, water security has become a serious issue in Malaysia. Amongst other reasons, water security in Malaysia is exacerbated by high rates of non- revenue water (NRW) with the national average at 36.4 % in 2010. Amongst the various states, NRW ranges from 18 to 58%, rates that are clearly not sustainable. NRW represents the difference between the volume of water supplied in the water distribution system and the volume that is billed to customers. This paper examines NRW rates of selected water service providers, the reasons causing these rates and the steps taken to reduce them. Results show that in 2010, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) recorded the lowest NRW rate of 18.2% in Malaysia. In contrast, the highest NRW rate was recorded by Sabah Water Department (JANS), which is 57.35% of the water produced. The Sibu Water Board (SWB) and Syarikat Air Negeri Sembilan (SAINS) recorded 28.8% and 43.8% of NRW rates respectively in 2010. There are many reasons for the low NRW rates in Penang, which recorded rates below 20% for the past 5 years including quick response time to leakage reports, a comprehensive detection and remedy system, commitment of funds to replace old pipes and mains, replacing faulty meters, monitoring of thefts (illegal connections), etc. Results indicated that NRW management in PBAPP is effective in managing water loss. However, reasons for high NRW rates in the other water service providers include lack of funds to replace old pipes, slow response time, poor monitoring system for detection of leaks and thefts, faulty meters, and low priority in NRW management. All water service providers need to improve their efficiency to reach the 25% NRW rate to satisfy the NRW reduction target by the National Water Service Commission (SPAN). For JANS and SAINS, the NRW management has been shown to be ineffective in controlling water loss as NRW rates continue to be high. Such high rates of NRW will seriously threaten water security and also lead to negative impacts on economic growth. It is concluded that PBAPP is a good example of efficient NRW management and if all water service providers can adopt its model, and then water security in the country would be secured leading to sustainable future water resources.