KUCHING: Malaysians use more water than people in most other countries, including the United States and Australia, said Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili.
A lot of it may go to waste.
According to Ongkili, average daily water consumption by a Malaysian was currently 300 litres, which is almost double the benchmark recommended by the United Nations (UN).
He said the UN had reported in 2010 that the total water requirement for an individual is 165 litres per day.
“In the span of one year, the ‘extra’ water we use is about 50,000 litres (per person). Without hesitation I can say this is a form of wastage and does not fulfill the government’s desire for its citizens to lead a green lifestyle,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the 2016 Sarawak YaHijau Tour programme at SMK Santubong near here, today.
The programme was jointly organised by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) and Malaysia Green Foundation (YaHijau), focusing on efforts to promote, enhance the understanding, and appreciation of going green as well as applying green technology, especially at the grassroots level.
Ongkili also stated that 1.1 billion people in the world did not have access to clean water.
He said the government hoped that all levels of society could practice the ‘reduce, reuse, and recycle’ way of life, as it would have a much positive social impact.
Ongkili said the government would also continue to focus on the implementation of green technology in a holistic and sustainable manner, in order to ensure sustainable economic development and growth in the country.