Implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management in Malaysia: Some Issues and Challenges

Pahang River Basin (PRB) is an important watershed in Malaysia. It does not only meet the water requirement of the people in Pahang State, but also a water supplier to the other state in the Interstate Raw Water Transfer project (Pahang-Selangor ISRWT) as proposed in the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2006-2010). The main objective of this study is to identify the major problem based on the existing water resources management in PRB. In order to achieve success in water resources development, a holistic approach such as the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is needed in water resources management, Apart from that, the participation of all stakeholders is a prerequisite to attain the goals of IWRM. In view of that, The Malaysia government has played an important role through its policies, plans and programmes. For example, the Integrated River Basin Management (subset of IWRM) in water planning and development was introduced in the latest Ninth Malaysia Plan. However, the current water resources management issues and challenges in Pahang River Basin are a hindrance of getting full participation from the various stakeholders. Although the Federal and State Governments are responsible for the planning and development of the Pahang River Basin, the involvement from the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations are lacking and do not seem to be aware of their important roles in this matter. At last, this study has identified thirteen components with specified issues and challenges of water resources management in PRB