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Water theft cost us RM1.6 billion a year, says body – Bernama

Water cuts in Tampin on April 7 – Bernama

Water from leaking pipes and water theft, collectively known as “non-revenue water” (NRW), accounted for major losses amounting to RM1.6 billion a year throughout the country.

Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran said the loss of treated water before it reached consumers because of leaks in old pipes or physical loss (water theft) must be addressed through an action plan.

Among the recommendations included the implementation of a proper energy efficiency policy by identifying critical, sub-critical and non-critical areas sin every state.

"In 2012, the NRW in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya was 33.1% of the 4,300 million litres a day (MLD) of treated water for consumers.

"Because of increased leakage, 1,423.3 MLD were wasted and only 2,876.7 MLD reached consumers.”

Piarapakaran said the amount of NRW was likely higher during water rationing because of the different water pressure zones.

“An NRW action plan should be implemented to curb the continuous loss of treated water." – Bernama, April 17, 2014.