Water quality and resources management policies in Malaysia

Abstract

Waterways in tropical developing count- ries are much more a part of the life of the people than in temperate regions, but their aesthetic value takes second place to more pragmatic uses. In areas where a significant proportion of the population are still depen- dent on surface waters for potable and washing water, quality criteria will need to be carefully evaluated considering their importance relative to public health. Also, the stringency of surface water quality goals will largely determine the costs of achieving the standards and thus society's investment in pollution control measures. Part of the water quality management strategy is to ensure that the resource is sustained and self- generated in perpetuity, under varying stresses and strains induced by man. This implies the need for a comprehensive study on the available water resources and also an evaluation of the nature and extent of the water pollution problems existing. The aim of this paper is to examine the overall scheme of water quality and resource management practices in Malaysia.