KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 — The federal government has approved an allocation of RM1.7 billion under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to replace approximately 1,800 kilometres (km) of critical water pipelines across the country between 2026 and 2030, the Dewan Negara was informed today.

Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad stated that the nationwide replacement programme will focus primarily on phase-out initiatives for ageing asbestos-cement (AC) pipes and other critical water infrastructure operating beyond its intended lifespan to significantly lower the nation’s Non-Revenue Water (NRW) loss rate.

“Through the implementation of this programme, the government is committed to strengthening the resilience of the national water supply system through the phased renewal of ageing assets, reducing NRW rates, and ensuring all replacement works are carried out in accordance with stringent safety standards for the well-being of the people,” Abdul Rahman said during the upper house question-and-answer session.

Responding to an inquiry from Senator Datuk Wu Him Ven regarding national action plans for asbestos-cement pipe upgrades, Abdul Rahman clarified that the NRW rate for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan recorded 34.4 per cent in 2025. Official NRW data for 2026 will be finalized following the conclusion of the current reporting cycle.

Addressing potential health and safety concerns regarding airborne asbestos dust exposure during excavation and pipe removal, the Deputy Minister emphasized that contractor operations must strictly conform to occupational safety regulations established by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH).

In response to a supplementary question from Senator Phoong Jin Zhe concerning regional water infrastructure in Sabah, Abdul Rahman disclosed that state authorities have identified 110.4km of urgent water pipelines requiring replacement, with works estimated at RM99.35 million. He noted that the federal government has additionally provided RM558,000 to assist Sabah’s ongoing NRW reduction programs.

-NMT