The blame for poor water quality has been squarely placed on poor management of services by the respective state governments.

Energy, Water and Communications Deputy Minister Shaziman Abu Mansor told the House that the state authorities lack money for upgrading water supply facilities. As they are unable to revamp the water industry, the federal government has had to enter the picture.

In January, a constitutional amendment was passed to place water supply services - controlled by state governments up to then - in a concurrent list which now gives the federal government the power to formulate policy and regulate management.

The Water Services Industry Bill (WSI) and the National Water Service Commission Bill (NWSC) are expected to be tabled in Parliament next March.

Replace pipes

The WSI seeks to regulate water supply and sewerage services, while an industry monitoring body will be established by the NWSC.

Shaziman said the ministry has requested RM2.3 billion from the government to replace 4,245km of ageing pipes.

Replying Md Alwi Che Ahmad (BN-Ketereh), he pointed out that the federal government still provides funds for water supply and management in Kelantan, although the state is controlled by opposition party PAS.

He said this is done in the interests of the people.