‘Aye’ to rainwater plan
30/03/2007 The Star

PETALING JAYA: Water and housing associations have lauded the proposal to create a rainwater harvest system for building owners but voiced reservations over its effective implementation.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced on Tuesday that a by-law would be formulated by the Housing and Local Government Ministry to enforce a water harvesting system on suitable buildings.

Malaysian Water Association president Datuk Syed Muhammad Shahabudin said, “It is a good idea that can benefit the people as it provides another mean of getting water naturally.

“But this proposed by-law will affect a lot of consumers. It is important to talk to the public first, through forums and dialogues, and make it clear to the consumers how it will affect them,” he said.

He also said that not all buildings could be fitted with the rainwater harvest system, as it required a considerable roof size and also place for the storage tank.

“This method can be easily applied to new structures but what about the existing buildings? And what about the cost of putting up the system? Will building owners who do not comply with this ruling be fined?

“These are just some of the issues that must be sorted out before going ahead with the plan,” he added.

“I am aware of this system being implemented in rural areas. They usually have their own storage system to gather rainfall to go through the dry season and it would usually be inexpensive to put up.

“But to implement it in urban areas, we must have a suitable framework,” he said.

Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (Rehda) president Ng Seing Liong said: “We support the Government’s plan but we feel that the implementation, using the introduction of by-laws entailing the housing sector, might not be a good idea.

“For such a system to work effectively, it requires periodic and proper maintenance. Malfunctioning pumps could create a health hazard by turning the place into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”

Poor level of maintenance, which is common in Malaysia, could turn the plan into something detrimental to the public, he added.

Ng urged the Government to reconsider compulsory installation of the rainwater harvesting system and focus instead on creating awareness among the public on efficient water usage.

Meanwhile, Kok Hee Poh, the regional programme coordinator 2006 for Global Water Partnership Southeast Asia (GWP SEA), welcomed the proposal.

“It is indeed a decision in the right direction in view of the world water shortage,” Kok said in a statement.