No need to review raw water rate with S'pore: KL deputy minister

Supply still needed given proliferation of data centres, semiconductor plants in Johor

- Harith Mustaffa

Malaysia has decided not to seek a review of the raw water rate in its water agreement with Singapore, as continued growth in Johor's industries means the southern state is likely to remain reliant on foreign sources of treated water beyond 2030.

"At present, it has been decided that the rate for raw water (sold to Singapore) need not be reviewed," said Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, in response to a question by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim in Parliament on Dec 2.

"Any change to the rates needs to consider its implications to the cost of purchasing treated water from Singapore, which is a critical need for Johor," Mr Akmal said.

The deputy minister said despite ongoing efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in Johor, the supply of treated water from Singapore is still a "critical need" for the state, given the proliferation of data centres and semiconductor plants there.

He noted that Johor imports an average of 16 million gallons per day (mgd) of treated water from Singapore.