V. CASE STUDY: MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF FRESHWATER RESOURCES IN KUALA LUMPUR
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INTRODUCTION
The Malaysian Second Outline Perspective Plan (1991-2000) emphasizes the attainment of economic development, which is ecologically sustainable and balanced. Toward that end, it is envisaged that environmental progress will be continued with the maintenance of a clean and healthy environment, in order to provide ecological and climatic stability. Therefore, strategies for environmental protection as well as nature and natural resources conservation will be incorporated into development in Malaysia. The implementation of such strategies will give priority to adopting environmentally sound practices in various sectoral development programmes and natural resources management.
Although for administrative purposes Kuala Lumpur has been federal territory since 1974, the management of some of its natural resources continues to be under the control of the State of Selangor. One such example is the supply and conservation of freshwater resources, which is the main theme of this case study.
The first water supply system was put into operation in the early nineteenth century in the Federal Malay States and in the Straits Settlements of Malacca and Penang. However, the first formal arrangement for a water supply system in the country began in Penang in 1804 where the population was then about 10,000 people. Clear stream water from the hills was carried by a brickwork channel to earthenware pipes laid through the streets of the town, while tin pipes were used to carry water to the individual dwellings. Around that time, treatment plants were also built to serve large towns.
One of the oldest treatment plants was located in Kuala Lumpur. The Ampang Impounding Works in Kuala Lumpur, which is still in service today, is one such early public water supply system. During those early days of water supply, no major problems were experienced as demand was low and population growth was relatively slow.
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