SHAH ALAM, Jan 2 — Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) has made substantial progress in its long-term pipe replacement effort, having laid more than 1,000km of new lines to improve water supply reliability and reduce non-revenue water (NRW).
The state water operator said that as of September 30, 2025, it has replaced 1,017km of ageing pipelines and commissioned a further 825km statewide.
Between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, 208km of new pipelines were laid and 142km commissioned, it added.
Another 300km of pipes was at the design stage last year, with contracts to have been awarded in November, while another 300km is being planned for this year.
“Air Selangor, Malaysia’s largest water services provider, implemented the Pipe Replacement Programme as a cornerstone of our long-term infrastructure reliability and sustainability plan.
“In addition to replacing ageing and leak-prone asbestos cement (AC) pipes, the programme represents a strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure, aligning with Air Selangor’s commitment to operational efficiency, public health, and environmental stewardship,” the concessionaire said in its Sukuk Kelestarian 2024-2025 Impact Report.
Launched in 2016, the pipe replacement project has gained much ground since 2024, when the annual target was increased from 150km to 300km.
The programme targets the replacement of about 6,000km of ageing AC pipelines, which are prone to leaking and bursting. About 5,000km more is awaiting replacement.
Air Selangor acknowledged challenges that have affected timelines and efficiency, including local authorities’ lengthy permit approval periods, complex coordination with multiple agencies and utility providers, and public complaints and temporary inconveniences due to road closures, noise, and excavation.
Other challenges include engineering and logistical complications due to unforeseen ground conditions, and an insufficient pool of reputable contractors with strong technical and financial resources.
“Air Selangor is committed to learning from these findings, and is taking steps to strengthen project governance mechanisms, optimise stakeholder engagement, and enhance contractor performance monitoring.
“This includes growing the integration of digital project tracking tools and community communication platforms to improve transparency and responsiveness,” it said.
Air Selangor added that NRW remains one of the most persistent challenges in the water services sector, especially for large urban utilities.
