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

Johor’s Quest for Water Self-Sufficiency: A Critical Five-Year Plan

Johor, often regarded as one of Malaysia’s most developed states, is embarking on an ambitious journey to achieve water self-sufficiency within the next five years. This initiative is driven by the urgent need to meet the growing demands of its rapidly expanding economy and population. The state’s water supply infrastructure is being stretched thin, and the development of new reservoirs and water treatment plants has been identified as a critical solution. However, analysts have raised concerns about meeting the tight timeline, given the sheer scale and complexity of the construction required. On average, reservoirs take around eight years to build, while water treatment plants can be designed and commissioned in two years. Despite this, reservoirs are indispensable for increasing Johor’s raw water capacity, making the five-year target a formidable challenge.

The Five-Year Timeline: Ambitious But Potentially Achievable

While the timeline is ambitious, many experts believe it is achievable with strong support from the federal government in Putrajaya. Water quality and modeling specialist Zaki Zainuddin emphasized that meeting the target is challenging but not impossible. He underscored the urgency of the situation, particularly for Johor, which aspires to be self-sufficient in water supply. This goal is even more critical given Johor’s growing ambitions in the data center sector, which requires a reliable and consistent water supply for cooling systems. Zaki, who is also an adviser to environmental consultancy firms, highlighted that Johor’s development stage and its role as a key economic hub make this initiative both necessary and timely.

Economic Investments and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

The influx of investments in Johor has positioned the state as a prime location for economic growth. Conservation scientist Serina Rahman, a lecturer at the National University of Singapore, noted that Johor’s financial capacity to support the rapid construction of water infrastructure is robust, especially with top-down support from the federal government. The urgency of this project is further amplified by the looming expiration of the water agreement with Singapore in 2061. Serina stressed that Johor must become independent in treating its own water to avoid reliance on its neighbor. The state’s growing investments, particularly in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), are expected to draw more people and businesses, increasing water demand significantly.

The JS-SEZ, a joint initiative between Malaysia and Singapore, aims to create 20,000 skilled jobs in the first five years. The agreement was formalized during the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong, exchanged documents. The economic zone is expected to attract further investments, making the development of robust water infrastructure even more critical. Johor’s ability to meet its own water needs will be a cornerstone of its future economic success.

Managing the Expansion of Data Centers: A Double-Edged Sword

While the five-year plan aims to enhance water supply, experts caution that the state must carefully manage the rapid expansion of its data center industry. Data centers are energy-intensive and require vast amounts of water for cooling systems, posing a potential strain on Johor’s resources. Then-Johor Bahru city council mayor Mohd Noorazam Osman highlighted that while attracting investments is important, it should not come at the expense of meeting the people’s needs. Johor is fast 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 growth underscores the need for sustainable and balanced development to ensure that economic progress does not compromise essential resources like water and power.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Development

Johor’s five-year plan to achieve water self-sufficiency is a bold step toward securing its future. While the timeline is challenging, experts remain optimistic about its feasibility with federal support. The state’s economic ambitions, including its data center expansion and the JS-SEZ, make this initiative both necessary and urgent. However, careful planning and management are essential to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of essential resources. Johor’s success in this endeavor will not only secure its water supply but also pave the way for sustainable development, benefiting both its residents and the broader region.