PROGRESS OF WATER ENVIRONMENTAL
GOVERNANCE/MANAGEMENT AND
FUTURE CHALLENGES IN MALAYSIABYSYAZRIN SYIMA SHARIFUDDIN
NATIONAL HYDRAULIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA (NAHRIM)PRESENTATION OUTLINE
 Introduction

 State of Water Quality
 Changes of Organisational Arrangement
related to Water Quality Management
 Water Quality Management Policies
 Changes in Laws, Regulations, Standards
 Goals of Water Quality Management Policy
 Challenges

INTRODUCTION
 Water resources in Malaysia come in the forms of rivers, lakes andgroundwater.
Streams or rivers contribute about 99% of the raw water for water supply in
Malaysia with the remaining 1% of raw water coming from groundwater.
Population growth, urbanization, industrialization and the expansion of irrigatedagriculture are imposing rapidly growing demands and pressures on the water
resources, besides contributing to the rising water pollution.
Water management is becoming increasingly comprehensive and complicated
due to large concentrations of population, commercial activities and industries
around the cities and towns, increasing water consumption, increasing waterpollution, increasing land use conflicts and climate changes.

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS
River water quality monitoring programme detect changes in river water quality and pollution
sources water samples collected at regular intervals fromdesignated station for in-situ and laboratory analysis
to determine its physico-chemical and biologicalcharacteristics.



The Water Quality Index (WQI)
 basis for assessment of a watercourse in relation topollution load categorization and designation ofclasses of beneficial uses as stipulated in theNational Water Quality Standards for Malaysia(NWQS)
 derived using DO, BOD, COD, NH3-N, SS and pH

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS

Figure 1: River Water Quality Trend (2005-2009)

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS

Figure 2: River Water Quality Trend based on BOD sub-index (2005-2009)

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS

Figure 3: River Water Quality Trend based on AN sub-index (2005-2009)

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS

Figure 4: River Water Quality Trend based on SS sub-index (2005-2009)

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS
605350434142424036

No. of catchment3433
BOD302830AN20SS22221818121002004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Figure 5: Number of Polluted Catchment by Parameter (2004-2008)

1.1 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - RIVERS
59
60

56

54475046
41

No. of Catchment

4038

37

39

37

38
33

BOD
AN30

SS

22

20

20
111002004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Figure 6: Number of Slightly Polluted Catchment by Parameter (2004-2008)

1.2 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - MARINE
Marine water quality monitoring programme

Determining the degree of pollution from land-based sources as well asfrom sea-based sources that can pose threats to the marine resourcescontribute to the stability and diversity of the ecosystem
Started in 1978 included in-situ measurement and lab analysis

Table 1: DOE Marine
Environmental WaterQuality Parameters,2009

1.2 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - MARINE

Table 2: Status of Marine WQ Parameters Exceeding Standards For Coastal (%), 2009

1.2 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - MARINE

Table 3: Status of Marine WQ Parameters Exceeding Standards For Estuary (%), 2009

1.2 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - MARINE

Figure 7: Marine Water Quality Status, 2006-2008

1.2 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - MARINE

Table 4: Possible sources of contaminants, 2004

1.3 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - LAKESA preliminary
assessment listingsuggests that there areover 90 lakes in thecountry covering an areaof at least 100,000ha
and hold about 31 billion
cubic meters of water.

1.3 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - LAKES
no single authorise body that look after lakes and reservoirs in Malaysia.
Monitoring - carry out by the owners or operators of the lakes and reservoirs.
no comprehensive inventory of lake resources in Malaysia.
Each of lakes and reservoirs in Malaysia falls under different jurisdictions.
managed and owned by different owners and operators.
data available is not homogeneous and synchronise - no established standardof water quality parameters monitored in lakes and reservoirs.
The lack of awareness - created a policy vacuum where the management of theseresources are concerned.
Current management strategies are fragmented, pursued by different
management agencies, each having different, and often competing, sectoralagendas.
This mosaic of competing interests and management emphasis has beeninimical to the long term development of lake resources in the country, besidesshrouding its true value to the nation and its development goals.

1.3 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - LAKESAcademy of Sciences, Malaysia (ASM) and the National Hydraulic Research Instituteof Malaysia (NAHRIM) jointly initiated in October 2004, a study to provide a baseline
appraisal of the current state of the country’ lakes and reservoirs.
Undertaken by the Institute of Environment and Water Resource Management,
University Teknologi Malaysia, the resulting report entitled A Study on the Statusof Eutrophication of Lakes in Malaysia, confirmed that the condition of Malaysianlakes largely reflected the global situation.
The study looked at the status of Eutrophication for 90 major lakes & reservoirsin Malaysia.

1.3 STATE OF WATER QUALITY - LAKES

56 (62%) were in a poor condition(eutrophic), while the balance were in a
mediocre to reasonable good state(mesothrophic).
eutrophication of lakes has reachedlevels for serious concern and restoration
efforts were urgently needed for manylakes.
the report called for a lake management
and restoration plan, intensification ofresearch in identified priority areas andincreased public awareness and capacity
building for lake managers.
Figure 8: Classification of 90 Lakes Studied

2.0 CHANGES OF ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTRELATED TO WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENTNo agency been entrusted with responsibility for integrated management anddevelopment of water resources.
Federal & State Government agencies - implementing water resourcesmanagement tasks in Malaysia.
‘Water’ is a matter under the State Government agencies - operation andmaintenance, and water supply infrastructure development.
The Federal government agencies - research, planning and development of waterresources.

National Water Resources Council (NWRC) set up in 1999
 to avoid fragmented water resources planning and development
 set up by Malaysian Federal Government under the chairmanship of theMalaysian Prime Ministertake over all function related to water resources to ensure coordination of various
stakeholders between Federal and State Government in the management of theriver basin.
2003- approved the formulation of IRBM Master Plans for all 189 river basins.

2.0 CHANGES OF ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTRELATED TO WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
National Water Resources Council(NWRC)-Proposed 189 IRBM master plans2.0 CHANGES OF ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTRELATED TO WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Restructuring among ministries in March 2004.
Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment (MNRE) was established on 2004
with combination of departments from four other ministries.
purpose - to ensure the integration of water resources management.
address water sector with respect to improving water utility services and managing
water resources.

water resources management – still shared by other ministries
water services monitoring and supervision (Ministry of Water, Energy andCommunication);monitoring and safeguarding of water resources and natural resources (Ministry ofNatural Resources and Environment);
water research and development (Ministry Science, Technology and Innovation),drinking water quality (Ministry of Health),water planning and development (Local Governments).

2.0 CHANGES OF ORGANIZATIONAL ARRANGEMENTRELATED TO WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENTThe National Water Services Industry Commission Bill and Water Services
Industry Act have been amended by Malaysian Parliament in 2006.
Water resources are currently under State jurisdiction, under the provisions ofNational Water Services Commission Act 2006 and Water Services Industry Act
2006 (WSIA), which control of all water services in 13 States of Malaysia was given
to the Federal Government .
To ensure quality and reliability where water supplies and sewerage services areconcerned.
National Water Services Industry Commission (SPAN)
has been established under the provision of Water Services Commission Act andemploy the WSIA as regulatory tools to regulate water services industry in term oflicensing, supervision and monitoring.
State Governments have to corporatise their state water authorities and that theCommission would serve as the central regulatory body.

3.0 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT POLICYNATIONAL POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT:Policy Statement:
The nation shall implement environmentally sound and sustainable development forthe continuous economic, social and cultural progress and enhancement of thequality of life of Malaysians.

3.0 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT POLICYNATIONAL POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT:
Objectives
 A clean, safe, healthy & productive
environment for present & future
generations; Conservation of the country’s unique &diverse cultural & natural heritage witheffective participation by all sectors ofsociety ; Sustainable lifestyles & patterns ofconsumption & production

3.0 WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT POLICYNATIONAL POLICY ON ENVIRONMENT:
8 Principles
 Stewardship of the Environment

Integrated Decision-Making

 Conservation of Nature’s Vitality &DiversityRole of the Private SectorCommitment & Accountability

Active participation in theInternational Community

 Continuous Improvement in theQuality of the Environment
 Sustainable Use of NaturalResources

4.0 CHANGES IN LAWS, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS
Department of Environment (DOE) Jurisdiction
Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulation 2009
Environmental Quality (Control of Pollution from Solid Waste
Transfer Station And Landfill) Regulations 2009
Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluent) Regulations 2009
Scheduled Waste Regulations 2005 (Environmental Quality Act 1974)
Prescribed Activities (EIA Order) 1987 (Environmental Quality Act1974)
Natural Rubber Regulations 1978 (Environmental Quality Act 1974)
Environmental Quality Licensing Regulations 1978 (EnvironmentalQuality Act 1974)
Crude Palm Oil Regulation 1977 (Environmental Quality Act 1974)
Environmental Quality Act 1974

4.0 CHANGES IN LAWS, REGULATIONS, STANDARDS
Department of Environment (DOE) Jurisdiction
There are some changes to the regulations of the Environmental
Quality Act 1974 (Act 127).
10 December 2009 - the Environmental Quality (Sewage andIndustrial Effluent) Regulations 1979 had been withdrawn.
Three new regulations becomes effective at the same time:
1. Environmental Quality (Sewage) Regulations 2009
2. Environmental Quality (Industrial Effluents) Regulations 2009
3. Environmental Quality (Control of Pollution from Solid Waste
Transfer Station to Landfill) Regulations 2009

4.0 CHANGES IN LAWS, REGULATIONS, STANDARDSOther agencies•••••••••••••••••

Selangor Waters Management Authority Enactment 1999
Selangor Water Supply Enactment 1997
Perbadanan Putrajaya Act 1995
Mineral Development Act 1994
Sewerage Services Act 1993
Fisheries Act 1985
National Forestry Act 1984
Local Government Act 1976
Town and Country Planning Act 1976
Street Drainage and Building Act 1974
Street Drainage and Building Act 1974- Earthworks By-laws
National Land Code Act 65
Land Conservation Act 1960
Water Supply Enactment 1955
Drainage Works Act 1954
Mining Enactment, F.M.S. cap 147
Water Act 1920

5.0 GOALS OF WATER QUALITYMANAGEMENT POLICY
10th Malaysia Plan - improvements and enhancement to the quality of service andcoverage to ensure sustainability from both an operational as well as environment
perspective
1. developing a long-term strategy for water resource management to achieve watersecurity.
 The National Water Resources Policy (NWRP), currently being formulated by theMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, will chart the future course
for the water sector.
2. to improve pollution control targeting main sources of pollution
 More than 90% of Malaysia’s water supply comes from rivers and streams - efforts totackle river pollution given due emphasis.
 River pollution is due largely to an increase in the number of sources of pollution anda decrease in the amount of rainfall - improper discharge from sewerage treatment
plants, agro-based factories, livestock farming, land clearing activities and domesticsewage.

5.0 GOALS OF WATER QUALITYMANAGEMENT POLICY
10th Malaysia Plan (2011-2015), some of the measures to be undertaken by
the Ministry to improve pollution control targeting these sources include: Strengthening the enforcement on industrial effluents and sewage discharge in linewith the revisions to the regulations under the Environmental Quality Act 1974;
 Assessing the Total Maximum Daily Load and carrying capacity of rivers todetermine allowable discharge loads, for both point and non-point sources ofpollution;
 Revising the current Water Quality Index to incorporate additional parameters, suchas biological parameters, for more accurate river water classification;
 Developing the National Marine Water Quality Index to replace the current Marine
Water Quality Criteria and Standard, which was developed in 2008; and Expanding outreach and awareness programmes targeting various segments ofsociety

6.0 CHALLENGES River The uniform discharge standard is applicable throughout the country and does nottake into account the assimilative capacity of a river or water body.
 Techniques of river basin modeling can be a new area of focus – so as to ensure
the river assimilative capacity are not exceeded.
 The large amount of monitoring data – need sufficient processing power available
to enable statistical analyses made and result to be interpreted into useful
information to make effective, informed decision.

 Groundwater Groundwater exploration programmes are implemented, especially in the mainriver basins, to identify potential aquifers, and protection zones are provided tosafeguard this important resource.
 Still under exploited with <2% of the water use derived from aquifers – application
is limited to areas where surface water resources exhausted/unavailable
 Guidelines for the development of potential polluting activities and the appropriate
laws will be formulated and enforced.

6.0 CHALLENGES Lake Lack of a national policy, associated legislation, appropriate action plans andguidelines on lake management and development, with an associated lack ofenforcement.
 Unclear roles and responsibilities among agencies currently undertaking different
aspects of lakes management, leading to either overlaps or gaps in lakemanagement, and stakeholder conflicts
 Lack of awareness and commitment from public and politicians in part due toapathy, self-interest, and poor stakeholder participation
 Lack of relevant research and technical knowledge on lake management,
insufficient critical mass of local expertise, and poor information exchange locallyand international, Poor data management of available data, Lack of funds for lake management Lack of thorough understanding of lake basin ecosystem

7.0 CONCLUSIONThe legislative approach in water quality management using theEnvironmental Quality Act 1974 has been successful in reducing
pollution to a certain extent.

It has involved pollution control, prevention and continuous assessment(monitoring) of the river environment. There are still many challenges
that need to be addressed to achieve a holistic water quality
management.

“Water is everybody’s business and we should endeavor to
make every drop count”

8.0 REFERENCES
1. Annual Report (2009). Department of Environment, Ministry of
Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia (NRE).
2. Khalit, A. R. (2007). Current State of Water Environment inMalaysia. Conservation and Environment Management Division.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia (NRE).
3. Daud, H. (2009). Legislative Approach to Water Quality
Management in Malaysia – Success and Chalenges. Water &Marine Division, Department of Environment, Ministry of NaturalResources and Environment Malaysia (NRE).
4. Malaysia Environmental Quality Report. 2009. Department ofEnvironment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Malaysia (NRE).
5. Malaysia Environmental Quality Report. 2008. Department ofEnvironment, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Malaysia (NRE).
6. Mokhtar, M. B., Tan, K. W. (2010). Integrated Water ResourcesManagement in Malaysia: An Effective Institutional Framework.
Institute for Environment and development (LESTARI), National
University of Malaysia (UKM).