The government has set aside RM1.7 billion to renew roughly 1,800km of deteriorating water pipelines across the country from 2026 to 2030, as it steps up efforts to curb water losses and modernise ageing infrastructure.
Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad said the initiative, funded under the 13th Malaysia Plan, would focus on pipelines deemed most vulnerable, including old asbestos-cement networks and assets already operating beyond their intended lifespan.
Speaking in the Dewan Negara, he said the programme was designed to improve the reliability of water distribution systems while gradually lowering Non-Revenue Water (NRW) levels.
Abdul Rahman said the replacement works would be implemented in phases, with contractors required to meet strict technical and safety requirements.
Water lost through leakage, theft and metering issues remained a major concern, with the NRW rate in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan recorded at 34.4% in 2025. The final figure for 2026 will only be available after the year’s reporting cycle is completed.
He also assured lawmakers that projects involving asbestos-cement pipes must comply with occupational health rules imposed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, particularly to control the release of hazardous dust.
For Sabah, the state government has identified 110.4 kilometres of high-priority pipelines for replacement, involving an estimated RM99.35 million.
A further RM558,000 has been channelled by the federal government to support Sabah’s efforts to improve NRW management.
