Kelantan: The first of this two-part series examines the measures undertaken by Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd to address the state's long-standing water supply and quality issues. For decades, reliable access to clean water has remained one of Kelantan's most pressing challenges. However, residents may finally have reason for optimism, with a series of major infrastructure projects expected to deliver a more stable, cleaner and sufficient water supply over the next few years.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state's water operator, the transformation is being driven by a range of infrastructure developments, several of which are scheduled for phased completion beginning this year. Compared with five years ago, the agency said significant progress has already been made, particularly in expanding water production capacity and improving water quality through the construction of new treatment plants and the upgrading of existing facilities.
NEW TREATMENT PLANTS DRIVING CHANGE
AKSB General Manager Azhar Hanafi said much of the company's efforts in recent years have focused on strengthening water production infrastructure to ensure sufficient capacity to meet growing consumer demand. Among the key projects completed or currently under construction are the Chicha 2 Water Treatment Plant (WTP), the Tok Bali Water Supply Project, groundwater well development in Chicha and the Machang 1 project.
"If we compare the situation with five years ago, there have been substantial improvements, especially in infrastructure related to both water quantity and quality. Many treatment plants have already been completed, while several others are still under construction," he told Bernama recently. These projects form the cornerstone of Kelantan's long-term strategy to strengthen its water supply system, which has long struggled to keep pace with rising demand, ageing infrastructure and limited production capacity. The initiatives also reflect the commitment of the federal government, the Kelantan state government, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and AKSB to improve water services for the people.
THE CHALLENGE HAS SHIFTED TO DISTRIBUTION
While water production capacity continues to increase, Azhar acknowledged that AKSB's biggest challenge today lies in ensuring treated water reaches consumers consistently and reliably. He explained that the water supply system consists of two key components - water production at treatment plants and water distribution through an extensive pipeline network. The immediate priority, he said, is improving water pressure so that supply reaches every area, including communities located at the furthest ends of the distribution network.
"We expect the issue of water quantity to be largely resolved this year, while water quality will improve significantly once the upgraded treatment system at the Merbau Chondong Water Treatment Plant is fully completed. Our biggest challenge now is distribution, ensuring that a stable water supply reaches consumers consistently," he said. His remarks illustrate how Kelantan's water sector has entered a new phase. The focus is no longer solely on producing enough treated water, but on ensuring it can be delivered efficiently and reliably to end users.
WHY WATER PROBLEMS CANNOT BE SOLVED OVERNIGHT
Azhar said one of the most common misconceptions among the public is the expectation that water supply issues can be resolved immediately once construction of a new treatment plant begins. In reality, he explained, building a large-scale treatment plant typically takes between three and four years, while laying 150 kilometres of transmission pipelines requires approximately one year. Many consumers may not realise that water infrastructure projects involve lengthy implementation periods and substantial financial investment.
"Sometimes people see a treatment plant under construction and expect the problems to disappear immediately. The reality is that these facilities take years to complete, and once they are operational, the distribution system must also be upgraded," he said. He acknowledged that AKSB needs to strengthen its public communication efforts so that consumers remain informed about ongoing projects and their progress.
MERBAU CHONDONG UPGRADE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY
Among the most eagerly anticipated projects is the upgrading of the treatment system at the Merbau Chondong Water Treatment Plant, which is expected to be completed between July and September this year. The project, which began in 2023, is expected to resolve much of the persistent murky water issue that has long affected consumers, particularly in Machang. Once completed, Azhar said, nearly 98 per cent of the state's water quality issues are expected to be resolved.
"The murky water problem frequently experienced in Machang is expected to become a thing of the past once this project is completed," he said. The initiative is regarded as a major milestone in restoring public confidence in Kelantan's water supply while strengthening the state's overall water treatment system.
PAAB AND SPAN DRIVING WATER SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Azhar credited the close collaboration between AKSB, PAAB and SPAN as the primary catalyst behind Kelantan's water infrastructure development. As of May, projects approved under PAAB financing had reached RM1.63 billion. Key developments include the Chicha 2 Water Treatment Plant, expected to be completed this year; the Tok Bali Water Supply Project, targeted for completion in 2028; groundwater well development in Chicha; and the Machang 1 project, scheduled for completion in 2029.
"All these projects are essential to ensure Kelantan's water supply system remains capable of meeting future demand," he said. He noted that developing a comprehensive water supply system requires sustained funding, long-term planning and continued commitment from multiple stakeholders. Strategic collaboration between operators, regulators and financing agencies is therefore critical to keeping projects on schedule.
PAAB's contribution extends well beyond Kelantan. In conjunction with its 20th anniversary, the company announced that it has channelled RM46.88 billion in financing and investments since 2006 to support the development of strategic water assets nationwide, including treatment plants, storage reservoirs and pipeline networks. The continued investment underscores the government's commitment to strengthening national water security, an essential public utility that supports not only public well-being but also economic growth and investment.
Despite the progress, Malaysia's water industry continues to grapple with the challenge of non-revenue water (NRW). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has previously stressed that the national NRW rate, which remains at around 40 per cent, requires more aggressive intervention to ensure treated water reaches consumers instead of being lost through leakages and system inefficiencies. For Kelantan, this has become the next major priority. As the state moves beyond expanding production capacity, AKSB's attention is increasingly focused on strengthening its distribution network to deliver water more efficiently and reliably.
RESIDENTS NOTICE IMPROVEMENTS
At the community level, residents say improvements in Kelantan's water supply are becoming increasingly evident, although isolated issues still require ongoing attention. Bagan Mukim penghulu (headman) Syed Hussin Syed Berahin said he has witnessed the gradual evolution of the state's water services since assuming office in 2010. Water supply issues have existed for many years, he said, but AKSB's continuous improvement efforts are producing encouraging results.
"When compared with the past, there is definitely noticeable improvement. Complaints are handled much more quickly now, and the response from AKSB has generally been prompt and satisfactory," he said. Most complaints involve leaking pipes and occasional murky water, he added, but these are usually resolved within a relatively short period.
A similar view was shared by Kampung Bagan Atas, Pulau Chondong resident Mohd Azwan Ahmad, 45, who observed significant improvements in water quality, supply pressure and the operator's responsiveness to public complaints. "So far, the services provided by AKSB have been very good. The water quality is much better now, and the water pressure is strong. In the past we occasionally experienced yellowish water, but after reporting the problem to AKSB, action was taken quickly and the issue was resolved," he said.
Although the state's infrastructure upgrades are beginning to bear fruit, the true measure of Kelantan's water sector transformation will no longer be determined solely by how much treated water can be produced. Instead, success will depend on reducing non-revenue water losses, replacing thousands of kilometres of ageing pipelines and ensuring that every litre of treated water reaches consumers efficiently. Those challenges are expected to define AKSB's priorities over the next five years and ultimately determine whether Kelantan's ambitious water sector transformation delivers the lasting benefits that residents have long awaited.