SYNOPSIS

Non Revenue Water or NRW is defined as the difference between the volume of water put into a water distribution system and the volume that is billed to customers. In simple terms, NRW refers to the amount of water which does not produce revenue. Although it is often associated with leakage, the actual scope of NRW is much bigger. Of late, NRW has been the subject of discussions in the media. Many quarters often relate NRW to the efficiency of the operators in providing water services. The fact remains that reduction of NRW not only requires high investment but also continuous commitment from all stakeholders. Malaysia is at par with other developed countries in relation to access to continuous, good and safe piped supply. It took years since our independence to develop an extensive water supply system with more than 130,000 km of pipelines. As such, results cannot be achieved overnight.  

As the regulator for water services industry in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN) is responsible in regulating the services provided by water operators. The aim is to ensure that water supply is managed in a sustainable manner and at the same time protecting the interests of consumers. As part of the conditions in licensing and authorizing water operators, reduction of KPI has been included as one of the main KPIs that are closely monitored by SPAN. To reflect the seriousness of the commission in addressing NRW, a task force was set up early of the year to oversee the progress and discuss strategies.

The talk will cover the issues and challenges in management of NRW in the country and strategies that have been put in place to address NRW.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

En. Marzuki bin Mohammad currently holds the position of Executive Director of Water Regulatory Department in the National Water Services Commission or Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN).

He joined the government service as a JKR District Water Engineer in 1981 and has been in the water supply services throughout. He has served Negeri Sembilan Water Supply department for 22 years and was responsible in the operations and management of water supply systems at both district and state levels. He was appointed as the Director of the department in 2003.

En. Marzuki was also involved in the planning and early implementation of Pahang – Selangor Raw Water Transfer Project before seconded to SPAN in 2007. As one of the pioneer staff, he helped to set up SPAN in the early operation years.

Currently, he is responsible in regulating the technical aspects of water services in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.