A Comparative Study Of Issues And Challenges In Reducing Non Revenue Water Rates In Pulau Pinang And Perlis, Malaysia
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Date
2016-09
Authors
Lai, Chee Hui
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Abstract
In Malaysia, the states’ inability to curb Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses has negatively impacted the country’s progress in reducing NRW rates. This research attempts to identify the issues and challenges faced by Malaysia’s water service providers (WSPs) in reducing NRW rates in different states in order to contribute towards developing a comprehensive solution for NRW reduction. A mixed methodology combining both qualitative and quantitative methodologies is adopted to provide a comprehensive analysis. In this study, both internal and external factors influencing a WSP’s performance in NRW management were studied by comparing NRW reduction in Pulau Pinang (lowest NRW rate) and Perlis (highest NRW rate) via qualitative interview and field observation. Public perception of and involvement in NRW reduction was also studied via quantitative questionnaire survey. Results show that real and apparent losses were the two major elements contributing high NRW rates in many states. The level of interest of the management unit, human resources, financial capacity, and technical capacity of a WSP were found to be the internal factors influencing a WSP’s progress in reducing NRW. For the external factors, stakeholder involvement, public engagement, and a comprehensive NRW reduction policy were identified as important factors. In the comparison of NRW reduction in Pulau Pinang and Perlis, NRW reduction strategies adopted by Pulau Pinang’s WSP covered both preventive and basic strategies which can prevent the occurrence of NRW losses. In contrast, NRW reduction strategies adopted by Perlis’s WSP were only the basic strategy that can solve the NRW issues when seen and reported. In addition, the study also found that public involvement in NRW reduction in both Pulau Pinang and Perlis is low and still has plenty of room for improvement. This is because most respondents from both states did not have good knowledge, awareness, and perception on NRW issue. Both Pulau Pinang
and Perlis’s WSPs still have much to do to effectively engage their public in reducing NRW. Based on the research findings, suggestions to improve NRW management of both states were made at the end of the study. Finally, this study concludes that reducing NRW requires contributions from all relevant water stakeholders. A comprehensive NRW management framework was finally developed as a solution for WSP in reducing NRW. This framework provides a comprehensive management strategy on how a WSP’s performance in reducing NRW can be improved via internal factors and external factors.
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Keywords
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses has negatively impacted , the country’s progress in reducing NRW rates.