Business · Malaysia Bureau
Address water crisis before pursuing growth targets, minister warns states
Malaysia's minister of territories has cautioned four developing states that they must resolve critical deficiencies in basic utilities, particularly water supply, before attempting to achieve ambitious economic growth objectives.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — A senior government minister has urged four states to prioritise fixing their water infrastructure amid concerns over depleted reserves and inadequate service delivery. The warning comes as these states pursue a combined economic growth target of RM720 billion, raising questions about whether development ambitions can be realised without first addressing fundamental service gaps.
Kedah's water reserves have reached critically low levels, with the state currently holding zero per cent buffer capacity, according to government data. This situation exemplifies broader infrastructure challenges facing several developing states in the region, where ageing systems and insufficient investment have strained resources needed for growing populations and industrial expansion.
State governments have been advised that securing reliable utilities must form the foundation of any sustainable economic development strategy. Without resolving water shortages and other essential service deficits, officials cautioned, states risk undermining their ability to attract investment and support industrial growth over the long term.
The intervention reflects growing concern within federal authorities over the sustainability of regional development plans. Officials have indicated that coordinated efforts between state governments and federal agencies will be necessary to rehabilitate aging infrastructure before pursuing more ambitious economic targets in the coming years.