Recognition of Local Authority for Better Management of Drinking Water at the Langat River Basin, Malaysia

Abstract

Integrated Langat River Basin Management lacks appropriate leadership of appropriate agency due to the conflict among jurisdictions since Langat River drains through three different constituency. Meanwhile, pollution of the river and frequent shutdown incidents of water treatment plants in the basin are evident due to both point and non-point sources of pollutions. Moreover, the statistically significant trend of annual rainfall (2005-2016) and temperature (2005-2016) in the basin clearly indicates the impact of climate change because of uncertain rainfall and temperature patterns. Flood incidents (2004-2016) within the basin in comparison with the rainfall and temperature also indicate short duration heavy rainfall at local level to enhance the pollution of the river. Contrary, the review of literature and informal interviews with the public, private and civil sectors highlight the attitude problem of the stakeholders along lack of leadership of LUAS in managing the river and drinking water in the basin. Therefore, the ‘proactive’ leadership of Local Authority under the Local Government Act 1976 could be successful to coordinate with stakeholders through multi stakeholders’ platform and several stages of quality control and quality assurance to manage water resources. The study suggests a new Langat Basin Management Authority under the Local Authority leadership as well as a Two-Layer water filtration technology in basin management. Henceforth, implementing the recommendations will facilitate Malaysia to achieve SDGs 2030 and National Transformation 2050 within the stipulated timeframe.