The Federal Government has allocated RM5.4 billion under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP) to implement 22 water-related projects in Perak.
This includes 20 existing connection projects and two new initiatives, according to a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
He said the project, implemented by agencies under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), is expected to increase water supply efficiency, reduce disaster risks and create new economic opportunities through sustainable water resources.
Among the agencies involved in the implementation of this project are the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), the state water supply department and the Sewerage Services Department (JPP).
Fadillah also stressed the importance of integrated cooperation between the Federal, state and community governments to preserve rivers and waterways.
He said this at the National Level World Rivers Day 2025 celebration in Sungai Batu Tegoh, which also houses the RM1.05 million National River Trail (DSK) project.
According to him, Malaysia has 189 major river basins, but 27 of them are still polluted due to illegal waste disposal and industrial activities.
Therefore, PETRA is now implementing the Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) approach to ensure clean water, reduce flooding and protect the environment.
Fadillah stressed that rivers supply 97% of the country's raw water resources, and maintaining river quality is a shared responsibility for national security and sustainable development.
