MyCBNet Interview with Prof Chan Ngai Weng
Focus on a network member-MyCBNet
Professor Chan Ngai Weng, a member of Malaysia Capacity Building Network (MyCBNet), is the President of Water watch Penang (www.waterwatchpenang.org) an NGO in Malaysia. His areas of expertise include Hydrology, Flood Hazard Management and climatology. He has often provided his expertise in seminars and workshops organised by MyCBNet
What do you think are the major water challenges in your country?
We Malaysians use too much water, averaging 300 litres per capita per day. The non-revenue water loss is too high, averaging 37% nation-wide. The water tariffs are too low as they are heavily subsidised by government. This sends a wrong message to the public regarding the importance of water. Pollution of rivers (97% of our water is from rivers) will render them untreatable. This will deplete our water supplies soon.
How can the situation be improved?
Increase water tariffs significantly to reduce average daily water usage to 200 litres per capita per day. There is too much emphasis on water supply - building dams and treatment plants, whereas we need to embark on Water Demand Management. One State, Penang, has reduced its non-revenue water loss to about less than 20% from a national average of 37%. I do not see why other states cannot follow. Culprits caught polluting rivers should be charged and if found guilty be slapped with jail sentences instead of being fined a meagre amount.
What role can the network play in improving the situation?
MyCBNet network can popularise and champion water demand management, water savings & conservation, water campaigns, etcetera. Success stories could then be shared. So too should failures so that they are not repeated.