The former Klang MP said this was important as Sungai Muda – Penang’s main source of raw water – was dwindling rapidly. Past reports by Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) had indicated that the water level of the river would be insufficient by 2030.
Santiago said given the circumstances, Penang must conserve water to prevent a crisis.
“We’re looking at eight to nine years before we have extra water. What are we doing in the meantime?” he told FMT.
On May 5, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Perak government has agreed to supply water to Penang through the yet-to-be-built Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park.
Anwar said this has been agreed upon by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and menteri besar Saarani Mohamad.
He did not say if the water would be in raw form, as per the convention of inter-state water transfers, or the sale of treated water, which Perak has been keen to supply to Penang over the years.
Penang’s water consumption is considered high, with the state using 927 million litres per day (MLD) as of February, dubbed by the regulator as the most water-stressed state in the country.
Santiago said that on average, a Penangite uses 300 litres per day, exceeding the globally recommended average of 165 litres per capita per day (lcd).
He gave several strategies for reducing water consumption, saying that they might be unpopular but were urgently needed.
“We have to come to terms with it. The first step is to use less water,” he said.
He called for rainwater harvesting, especially in large buildings and industrial areas, which can provide non-potable water for toilet flushing, gardening and cleaning, and reduce the demand for treated water.
“The state government must incentivise rainwater harvesting to ensure widespread adoption,” he said.
He also said industries should adopt zero-waste recycling practices.
Zero water waste means using all the water in a way that nothing is wasted. All the water is cleaned and reused until it becomes unusable. This helps save water and protect the environment.
“Essentially, the strategy here is to maximise this natural resource and reuse, recycle and repurpose water in a sustainable way so as to provide water security in the state. Semiconductor companies and other large water users must embrace these concepts to ensure sustainability,” he said.
“The state government must act now to ensure water security.”
Santiago said “small, collective actions” can lead to significant improvements in water sustainability.
“Everyone has a role to play in conserving and protecting our water resources,” he said.
Penang’s water consumption has increased significantly over the decades, according to PBAPP data. In 1976, the state used 181 MLD By 1999, consumption had surged to 536 MLD. The trend continued, reaching 843 MLD in 2019 and rising to 877 MLD in 2023.
The water company estimates that by 2040, the demand will be at 1,844 MLD, twice the February 2024 figure of 927 MLD.