Former National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago has called on Malaysians to immediately adopt drastic water conservation measures as a prolonged heatwave threatens critical water levels. With vital sources such as Sungai Muda reaching dangerously low points, Santiago warned that everyday habits, often overlooked by the public, are collectively draining millions of litres of water. He specifically advised citizens to reduce their daily shower durations by 50 per cent and to cease the practice of washing vehicles on a daily basis to safeguard tightening supplies.
During an interview with Malay Mail, Santiago identified car washing as a primary source of significant water wastage in the country. He explained that if one million car owners each used approximately 25 litres per wash, a single weekly wash would consume 25 million litres of water nationwide. Given that some Malaysians wash their vehicles every day, the cumulative impact on the national water reserve is immense. He urged the public to be more sensitive to the current environmental crisis and to significantly decrease the frequency of vehicle maintenance.
The call for moderation also extended to gardening practices, where Santiago suggested that enthusiasts should focus only on watering the roots of plants for survival. He noted that using excessive water simply to keep leaves looking shiny is an unnecessary luxury during a period of water scarcity. This push for conservation is supported by data showing that Malaysians consume an average of 201 litres of water per person daily. This figure is notably higher than the United Nations’ recommendation of 165 litres, and far exceeds the daily consumption rates in neighbouring Singapore and Thailand, which stand at 140 litres and 90 litres respectively.
Despite the urgent need to reduce usage, Santiago reminded the public that personal health must remain a priority during the intense heat. He stressed that while people should avoid excessive or decorative water use, they must ensure they stay properly hydrated to avoid medical complications. The strategy is to eliminate waste in domestic chores and hygiene routines without compromising the necessary intake of drinking water required to cope with soaring temperatures across the Peninsula.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), these hot and dry conditions are forecast to persist until the onset of the Southwest Monsoon in June. With lower-than-average rainfall predicted for the coming months, the pressure on the nation’s water infrastructure is expected to intensify. Authorities continue to monitor dam levels closely, as the gap between high public demand and dwindling natural supply remains a critical concern for the government and water service providers alike.
