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
Back to Jul 2000 Newsletter
index
[
Back to MNS Perak Home ]
Created on 5th Jul 2000