Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Water resources in Malaysia: Issues and challenges

Author(s):

Ferdoushi Ahmed ¹*, Chamhuri Siwar ¹, Rawshan Ara Begum ²

Recieved Date: 2014-01-19, Accepted Date: 2014-04-14

Abstract:

Water is a critical ingredient in all social and economic endeavours. Though Malaysia is endowed with abundant water resources, the country is experiencing increased demand for water in recent years. This paper aims to focus on the current status of water resources in Malaysia. The paper also highlights the issues and challenges of water resources in Malaysia. The study reviews currently available information on scenario of water resources in Malaysia. It was found that the demand for water in Malaysia has increased steadily from 8.9 billion m³ in 1980 to 15.5 billion m³ in 2000 for agricultural, industrial and domestic purposes. Agriculture sector uses approximately 76% of all available water of which 90% is used for rice production. It was also found that demand for water is high in the states, which are supporting heavy industrialization and large-scale agriculture for rice production. Moreover, growth in population and urbanization as well as improved living standard is imposing additional pressure on the water resources in the country. As a result, the per capita availability of water is decreasing. On the other hand, national coverage of water supply has increased from 80% of the total population in 1990 to 95% in 2000. It was also revealed that rural population of the country have less access to fresh and clean water supply as compared to urban people. Therefore, access to uncontaminated water is becoming an important issue for the water sector in the county, and the key challenge is to meet per capita consumption target for water. Hence, further research is urgently needed to set more effective policies and strategies for well management and governance of water resources in the country.

Keywords:

Water resources, issues, challenges, Malaysia

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2014
Volume: 12
Issue: 2
Category: Environment
Pages: 1100-1104

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