RM5.4 Bln Committed To Boost Water Supply, River Management In Perak - DPM Fadillah

TAIPING, Oct 4 (Bernama) -- The federal government has allocated RM5.4 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for 22 water-related projects in Perak, including 20 ongoing extensions and two new initiatives, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He expressed confidence that once completed by agencies under the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), the projects will provide a more reliable water supply, reduce disaster risks and create economic opportunities from sustainable water resources.

Fadillah, who is  Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, identified the implementing agencies as the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), water supply departments and the Sewerage Services Department (JPP).

“I hope to see integrated and continuous efforts from all agencies and the community, particularly at federal and state levels, to ensure rivers and waterways are protected and preserved,” he said at the launch of the 2025 National World Rivers Day celebration at Sungai Batu Tegoh.

Also present were Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Transport Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, Deputy Ministers Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Wong Kah Woh, and JPS director-general Datuk Mohamad Radzi Abdul Talib.

Fadillah said Sungai Batu Tegoh was an apt venue, praising its natural beauty and clear waters as a major attraction for visitors.

The area is home to the National River Trail (DSK) project, completed in 2024, showing that rivers can serve as recreational hubs to stimulate local economies.

“The project connects communities to rivers, fosters ownership, and opens economic opportunities through eco-tourism and community activities. This is inclusive development in action,” he said, adding that PETRA, via JPS, allocated RM1.05 million for the DSK in Perak.

He also said that Malaysia has 189 major river basins, 11 in Perak, but society cannot take pride in rivers if their quality is not preserved.

Citing the Department of Environment, Fadillah noted 27 rivers remain polluted, caused by illegal dumping, industrial activities and non-compliance with regulations, highlighting human responsibility.

To address this, PETRA, through JPS, has implemented the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) approach, coordinating stakeholders to ensure clean water, reduce floods, and protect the environment.

“Perak has completed five IRBM plans, with one more underway. I hope the state sets an example for others in structured and efficient river management,” he said.

On World Rivers Day, Fadillah stressed the UN-led celebration aims to raise awareness of rivers’ importance. This year’s theme, ‘Rivers and Waterways in Our Communities,’ reminds society that rivers are vital lifelines that require shared responsibility.

“Rivers supply 97 per cent of the nation’s raw water, supporting homes, schools, hospitals, industry, and agriculture. Maintaining river quality is a matter of national security, public welfare and sustainable development,” he said.

At the ceremony, Fadillah toured exhibition booths, planted a honey bamboo tree, witnessed the handover of the Perak IRBM report, and presented the Special Water Resource Award (AKSA) to four recipients.

-- BERNAMA