PUTRAJAYA must view access to water from a national security lens, especially in the face of climate change, National Water Services Commission chair Charles Santiago said.

He said the water sector should be accorded the the highest priority in government planning and resource allocation.

“The 2024 budget allocates RM 1.1 billion to infrastructure development for the three states of Sabah, Labuan and Kelantan,” he said in a statement today.

But the government spent RM11.9 billion on five naval ships, he said.  

“If the water sector were to get RM 11.9 billion, tremendous gains – reduction of non-revenue water, push towards reclaimed water, cleaning of rivers, and development of other water infrastructure – could be achieved,” the former Klang lawmaker said.

Santiago said reliable water access is a major attraction for new businesses such as data centres.

He said companies are leaving the country because of inadequate water resources. 

“By making water a national security priority, we are protecting the country against the uncertainties of climate change,” he said. 

Santiago said private firms also have a role to play in conserving water. He said an environmental, social and governance (ESG) study by Alliance Bank showed that water ranked second to last among corporate concerns.

“Companies must also focus on water conservation and (prioritise) water in ESG strategies.

“Rainwater harvesting, reclaimed water, and efficient water machinery, (banning) plastic use can all help to ensure that water is used efficiently. We need to save water the same way we save energy,” he said. – November 3, 2023.