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All states in Malaysia have asbestos pipes for water supply. These pipes leak easily. Further, some of them were installed decades ago. In Selangor, there is 40% non-revenue water loss-a major part is due to breakage and leakage of pipes. Some people pilfer water.

Apparently, the Selangor Water Works Department, SWWD, submitted a proposal at the end of last year to replace old asbestos pipes in the state and Kuala Lumpur. But, because of certain factors, the project has been delayed. For example, the RM 8 million privatization project to allow the consortium Puncak Niaga to take over SWWD has not been implemented.

RM1.5 BILLION PROJECT

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur have about 6,000 kilometres of old asbestos pipes. The Government may need RM1.2 to 1.5 billion to replace them with cement-lined pipes. It seems that big companies such as Gamuda, Puncak Niaga, Loh & Loh Corporation and Malaysia Mining Corporation are interested in the project.

We hope once the plan is ready, the Government will have an open and fair tender system, awarding the contract only to the most suitable company. There should be no irregularities.

During recession, the Government has less revenue. It is a good time to
implement infrastructure projects such as replacement of piping. Once the Government finds the money, it should use it effectively. It should take into consideration previous complaints of unfair award of projects,
negotiated tender or no tender at all.

We believe that the Government should eradicate patronage,
influence-peddling and other irregularities.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw