Activities Report Jul 2000 Newsletter

Our Water, Our Lives
        Malaysia has one of the highest water usage rates in this region. With that in mind, everyone should come together and address this important and urgent environmental issue in our country -  water conservation. Due to the blessed heavy rainfall in this region, and the convenience of piped water, everyone takes for granted the availability of water and use water excessively without thinking twice. Whereas, other countries which are not as fortunate as ours will have to struggle every minute of their lives searching for water.
       Since 1998, the problem of water shortages and pollution, have surfaced, and we realised that we too are not spared in the search for clean water. With increasing demand, especially in the Klang Valley with its high density and growth, there will be a point where the demand for water will outstrip the supply. To add to the problem, the nearest source of rivers have all been used up, or are economically not viable due to the land uses in the area, while the rest are just too dirty. The remaining clean river, the Sungai Selangor, which is now being dammed. Is there a solution?
       There clearly needs to be an integrated approach to managing our finite water resources, which included examining every aspect of both supply protection and management, as well as, demand management and water conservation. The public should be educated and made aware of the problems. Even problems faced by the authorities must be highlighted to the public, to make them realised and aware.
       Local communities must work in partnership with local authorities to promote sensible policies, new laws and adequate enforcement. If we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem. Therefore the MNS is organising a water forum whereby the people themselves will be able to express their opinions on water conservation. MNS will compile and summarise these opinions for submission to the Government, as a representation of views of the people of this country. The said Water Forum for the Public will be held at the Swiss Garden Hotel, Jalan Pudu,     Kuala Lumpur on the Saturday 27 May 2000, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. We hope concerned Malaysians will take advantage of this opportunity. All are welcome. There will be a nominal charge to cover cost of materials and refreshments.
Kuala Lumpur, 23 May 2000 

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Created on 5th Jul 2000