BATU GAJAH – The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry is aiming for Regional Sewage Treatment Plant (RSTP) services to attain 95% coverage in major cities in the country by 2030.
Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said this was in tandem with the country’s policy of developing the sewerage sector in line with the development pace and in meeting public expectations.
He said it was also in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
“Therefore, to achieve the goal of SDG 6, the federal government has provided a large allocation to ensure the planning of modern and efficient sewerage infrastructure in stages in the country.
“It is the basic need for the people to live a more conducive life based on the principles of social justice. This is in line with one of Malaysia Madani strategic thrusts, which is to ensure public well-being,” he said when opening the Papan 2 RSTP in Pusing here today.
Nik Nazmi said the construction of a perfect sewage treatment system and upgrading of existing treatment plants that are ineffective, small in size and not cost-effective are among the actions being implemented to achieve the level of effluent that complies with stipulated standards as well as meet the needs of the country’s population increase.
According to him, the development of sewerage services in high-density urban areas is based on the regional concept of building sewage treatment plants with an appropriate scale to meet the needs of larger communities.
“This method can increase efficiency through economy of scale while reducing the construction of small plants in new development areas,” he added.
Meanwhile, at a press conference later, Nik Nazmi said the Papan 2 RSTP project, costing RM453 million, covers a catchment area of 195 sq km involving three main areas, namely Ipoh city, Gunung Rapat and Menglembu.
“This project is able to benefit approximately 600,000 residents and can accommodate up to 900,000 residents. The total population for the entire catchment area is estimated to increase to 1.5 million by 2045,” he added.
He said the construction of the plant will not only reduce the problem of the existing sewage treatment system, which is small and inefficient, but will also enable connection to the sewer pipe network system from the new development area.
Meanwhile, regarding the current haze situation in the country, Nik Nazmi said he would clarify the matter in the Dewan Rakyat this Monday. – October 7, 2023