Prioritise water as national security concern - Span chief

Putrajaya should prioritise water as part of national security concerns, Charles Santiago said.

This, according to the National Water Services Commission (Span) chairperson, would protect the country against the uncertainties of climate change.

"The Budget 2024 allocates RM1.1 billion for infrastructure development for Sabah, Labuan, and Kelantan. However, the building of five littoral combat ships cost RM11.9 billion despite us not being at war.

"If the water sector gets a thumping RM11.9 billion, tremendous gains - reducing NRW (non-revenue water), pushing towards reclaimed water, cleaning rivers, and developing other water infrastructure - can be achieved," Charles said at the Water & Water Resources forum organised by Ensearch yesterday.

The former Klang MP added that sufficient water availability can be a major pulling factor for foreign investors and new businesses, such as data centres.

"Existing companies are departing Malaysia due to inadequate water resources. By making water a national security priority, we are protecting the country against the uncertainties of climate change.

"Such a decision to make water part of national security concern is mainly because time is running out in the face of extreme weather conditions," Charles (above) said, adding that companies must also focus on water conservation and elevate water’s priority in ESG (environmental, social, and corporate governance) strategies.

"Rainwater harvesting, reclaimed water, and efficient water machinery, no plastic use can all help to ensure that water is used efficiently. We need to save water in the same way we save energy."

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