KUCHING: At least RM9 billion is needed to replace old water pipes across the country.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof explained that pipe leakage is the main contributor to unproduced water which is 40 percent of clean water production.
"The plumbing issue is indeed a challenge throughout our country, we need approximately RM9 billion for the entire country.
"The average amount of water that is not lost just like that is due to pipe leaks or theft and so on, approximately 40 percent.
"In terms of loss, it is very large, that is in terms of the loss of water alone," he said when met by the media after the National Level "Water For Peace" World Water Day Celebration Ceremony at the Waterfront Kuching here on Sunday.
The Petra Jaya Member of Parliament added that the pipe replacement works have been started in stages according to the budget that has been channeled to the state government through grants or loans.
"This programme is an ongoing one and we will help each state, but it depends on the allocation we receive.
"We will distribute it to all the states in Malaysia to get it, but one of our focuses is indeed to solve the issue of leaking pipes, replacing old pipes," he said. -UKASnews
