I refer to the report by an environmental group whether there is a need for water or not, 'Impose a moratorium on dam building' (May 22).

The whole issue of whether to build dams or not and the privatisation of water supply centres on how much water is lost due to leakage, pilferage, etc.

The government says that leakage in Malaysia is acceptable at 20 percent while environmentalists claim it is much higher and that 20 percent is not acceptable. What is the truth?

According to reports by third parties like Lyoinaise De Eaux, the leakage in Malaysia is anywhere from 30 percent to 40 percent. In comparison, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia has 30 percent to 50 percent leakage. Developed countries have much lower rates. Singapore's is less than 5 percent.