JOHOR BAHRU: Johor's Water Independence Initiative

Johor is setting its sights on a bold initiative to eliminate its dependency on Singapore for treated water by 2030. However, analysts warn that the timeline outlined in this “ambitious” plan faces significant hurdles due to the extensive construction and infrastructure improvements required.

Project Overview

The large-scale project, underpinned by support from the federal government, involves creating three major reservoirs along the Sungai Johor, Sungai Pontian Besar, and Sungai Sedili Besar. The estimated cost for these reservoirs is RM1.6 billion (approximately S$482 million), in addition to RM3.5 billion allocated for three new treatment plants.

Objectives and Capacity

These developments aim to bolster Johor's water reserves, ensuring a reliable local supply. The new treatment plants are expected to boost the state's water processing capacity by an impressive 41%, delivering 3,061 million litres per day (MLD). This initiative aligns with Malaysia's Zero Dependency Project, which seeks to reduce Johor’s reliance on Singapore based on the 1962 Water Agreement, granting Singapore access to 250 million gallons of water daily. Currently, Johor imports around 16 mgd, which exceeds the required supply provision under the agreement.

Challenges Ahead

Senior officials, including Charles Santiago, chairman of the National Water Services Commission, elaborate that the reservoirs—referred to as Takungan Air Pinggiran Sungai (TAPS)—will serve as a crucial storage solution, while the additional treatment plants will cater to the increasing local water demand, particularly from the burgeoning data centre sector in Johor.

Feasibility Concerns

Despite optimistic projections, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of meeting the five-year target. Analysts highlight that while treatment plants can often be constructed within two years, reservoirs typically take upwards of eight years to complete. Experts stress the importance of efficient execution, sustainable practices, and effective collaboration among federal and state authorities, developers, and local stakeholders to realize these ambitious timelines.

Importance of Self-Sufficiency

Zaki Zainuddin, a water quality and modeling expert, acknowledges the challenging nature of this project but remains hopeful, noting the criticality for Johor to achieve water self-sufficiency—especially with its growing data centre industry, which demands additional water resources.

Usage Projections

As reported by the Malaysia Investment Development Authority, water usage in Johor reached 371 mgd in 2022 and is projected to rise sharply due to the increasing number of data centres. With Singapore's water agreement set to expire in 2061, the urgency for Malaysia to establish sustainable water treatment becomes paramount.

Economic Implications

Moreover, the recent signing of a deal to create a special economic zone (SEZ) between Johor and Singapore indicates robust interest from both local and international investors, with many companies eager to set up operations in the region. This influx underscores the need for efficient water management systems that can cater to both industrial demands and residential needs.

Balancing Act

While the burgeoning data centre sector could elevate Johor's economy, experts caution that local residents' water requirements must remain the priority. The state's capacity for data centres has skyrocketed from a mere 10 megawatts in 2021 to a staggering 1,500 megawatts by 2024, with major companies, including YTL and AirTrunk, heavily investing in this growth.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Former Johor Bahru mayor, Mohd Noorazam Osman, emphasized the importance of balancing investment attraction with addressing the local populace's needs. Additionally, S. Piarapakaran, president of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER), urged that any water allocation for data centres be judicious and highlighted the necessity of implementing stricter consumption policies.

Pollution Risks and Management

Addressing potential pollution risks is another critical concern. Experts advocate for proactive measures to ensure the integrity of Johor's water sources and infrastructure, mirroring successful initiatives in other states.

Public Sentiment

As Johor takes these steps toward water independence, social media reactions have highlighted a sense of urgency among residents, reflecting a collective desire for sustainable management of water resources—especially as climate shifts threaten to intensify dry spells in the future.

Conclusion

As Johor gallops forward with its grand vision, the eyes of the nation—and indeed the region—will be watching closely to see if this ambitious target can be met. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story!