Johor bahru: The government is taking a long-term approach to ensure water security in Johor remains safeguarded, in line with rapid growth in the industrial sector, urban development, and strategic investments, including data centres.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof stated that Johor's current raw water abstraction stands at 2,052 million litres per day, as reported by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN). The government is intensifying efforts to strengthen raw water resources and water supply systems in Johor through the implementation of various strategic projects. These projects include proposed dam developments, river-side water storage, barrages, and raw water conveyance infrastructure.

Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, emphasized the need to upgrade the capacity of supply systems and water treatment plants in phases. This initiative will be guided by current and future demand projections to ensure sufficient treated water supply. The government's response came during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat, addressing concerns from Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) about expanding Johor's water capacity amid its rise as a major data centre hub in Southeast Asia.

Four water treatment plant projects, financed by Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB), are currently being implemented to enhance treated water capacity in Johor. Fadillah also highlighted the importance of reclaimed water as part of the long-term water security strategy, particularly for high-water-use industries such as data centres.