Langat: The ability to provide sufficient water and energy supply is among the main attractions for investors in the semiconductor, data centre, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sectors in Malaysia, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He highlighted the importance of these resources alongside the country’s capacity to provide professional manpower expertise, which is a key strategic requirement for investors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these two aspects-water and energy-are very strategic. The Prime Minister emphasized that Malaysia’s credibility as a peaceful and competent nation could be compromised if issues related to water and energy are not resolved. He pointed out that it’s not only about providing water and electricity facilities to investors but also about managing the prices of water and energy at reasonable levels without burdening the people.
Anwar made these remarks while officiating the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (LRA2). Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), was present at the event.
Meanwhile, Anwar noted that Malaysia continues to face wastage issues, particularly involving Non-Revenue Water (NRW) due to usage practices and weaknesses in the old piping system. He mentioned that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof had raised the matter numerous times during Cabinet meetings. Following discussions, it has been decided that addressing NRW will be one of the priorities under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
The Prime Minister stressed that in terms of water management, ensuring comfort and meeting the people’s needs remain the government’s main priority. He questioned how a country with an abundance of water and frequent floods still faces water shortages, attributing the issue not to natural causes but to a lack of human ingenuity. He cited Jordan as an example, noting that despite limited rainfall, they are able to store water effectively, emphasizing the need for technology that focuses on advancement and water-saving measures.