By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, July 16 — Nearly 800km of old pipes in Selangor have been replaced since last year, as part of the state government’s efforts to replace at least 300km of piping a year to lower the risk of burst pipes.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim said this is part of a phasic comprehensive programme to replace around 5,200km of old pipes.
“We used to replace 150km a year, but it has been hiked to 300km as most asbestos cement pipes only last around 20 years. There are those that were in use for 40 years and burst… That’s why we increased our target to 300km a year even though replacement costs reached RM400 million to RM450 million,” he told Media Selangor.
Izham said the main challenge is that the pipe network passes dense residential areas and workers must avoid various underground utilities.
“The problem isn’t the cost, but the execution. Many pipe networks involve dense areas with underground cables and other utilities, so I’ve ordered that replacement permits be done early. For next year’s project, applications and approvals are being done this year,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_408085" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Dato’ Izham Hashim is interviewed by Media Selangor at the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on July 16, 2025. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Izham added that the Selangor Utility Corridor has been asked to help Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd coordinate the network to facilitate replacement works.
Last year, the state administration took aggressive steps to increase the pipe replacement rate to 300km annually, and is set to be hiked to 400km per year by 2034.
The initiative received the attention of Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, who expressed appreciation for the state’s efforts to address water supply issues.
His Royal Highness urged all parties to cooperate and expedite pipe replacement works for the people’s benefit, and hailed the Selangor government’s move to bear water tariff hikes on behalf of Skim Air Darul Ehsan recipients, schools, mosques, surau, and other houses of worship.
