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Johor’s 5-year plan to be self-reliant for treated water a ‘challenging’ timeline: Analysts

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Overview of Johor’s Water Supply Challenges and Ambitions

Johor, a highly developed state in Malaysia, is facing significant water supply challenges as it strives for self-sufficiency. The state is under pressure to meet an ambitious five-year timeline to develop new reservoirs and water treatment plants. Analysts have cautioned that the scale of construction required may make this timeline difficult to achieve, as reservoirs typically take around eight years to build. However, experts and stakeholders remain optimistic, emphasizing that with strong support from the federal government in Putrajaya, the target is achievable. The urgency is heightened by Johor’s rapid development, including its growing data center sector, which requires a reliable water supply for cooling systems. Ensuring water independence is crucial, especially as the water agreement with Singapore is set to expire in 2061.

The Five-Year Plan and Its Significance

The five-year plan to expand Johor’s water infrastructure is a critical step toward addressing the state’s growing water demands. While water treatment plants can be designed and commissioned within two years, the construction of reservoirs is a more time-intensive process. These reservoirs are essential for increasing Johor’s raw water collection capacity, which is vital for supporting both domestic and industrial needs. Water quality and modeling specialist Zaki Zainuddin has highlighted that meeting the five-year timeline is challenging but not impossible. He stressed that achieving water self-sufficiency is urgent for Johor, particularly given its ambitions in the data center sector. This industry is not only energy-intensive but also requires a consistent water supply for cooling systems, making efficient water management a top priority.

Expert Insights on Johor’s Water Challenges

Experts like Zaki Zainuddin and conservation scientist Serina Rahman agree that Johor’s water challenges can be overcome with proper planning and support. Zaki, who serves as an expert panelist for Malaysia’s Department of Environment, emphasized the importance of prioritizing water infrastructure development to meet the state’s growing needs. Serina Rahman, a lecturer at the National University of Singapore, echoed these sentiments, noting that Johor’s recent influx of investments suggests that financial support for the projects is feasible, especially with top-down backing from the federal government. She also pointed out that Johor is at a stage of development where it can realistically aim to process its own water, reducing reliance on external sources.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ)

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is a key initiative that underscores the economic ties between Malaysia and Singapore. Launched earlier this year, the JS-SEZ aims to create 20,000 skilled jobs within the first five years and is expected to further accelerate Johor’s development. The zone is jointly managed by both countries, reflecting their shared commitment to fostering economic growth in the region. However, the success of the JS-SEZ will depend on Johor’s ability to provide the necessary infrastructure, including water and power supply, to support its expanding industries. This makes the timely development of Johor’s water infrastructure even more critical.

Managing the Expansion of Data Centers

While the five-year plan to develop reservoirs and treatment plants is expected to boost Johor’s water supply, experts have warned that the state must carefully manage the expansion of its data center industry. Data centers are highly energy-intensive and require large amounts of water for cooling systems, which could strain Johor’s water resources if not managed properly. Former Johor Bahru city council mayor Mohd Noorazam Osman has emphasized that while attracting investments is important, it should not come at the expense of meeting the basic needs of the population. Johor is rapidly becoming a major data center hub in Southeast Asia, with its capacity growing from 10 megawatts (MW) in 2021 to 1,500 MW in 2024. This rapid growth highlights the need for sustainable water and energy solutions to support the industry’s expansion.

Conclusion: Balancing Development and Sustainability

Johor’s water infrastructure development plan is a bold step toward achieving self-sufficiency and supporting its rapid economic growth. While the five-year timeline presents challenges, experts agree that it is achievable with federal support and careful planning. The state’s growing data center industry, while promising, requires careful management to ensure it does not overburden Johor’s water and energy resources. By prioritizing sustainable development and investing in its water infrastructure, Johor can position itself as a leader in Southeast Asia’s economic landscape while ensuring the well-being of its people.

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