ALOR STAR: The Kedah Malay Chambers of Commerce (DPMM) have lauded the federal government's decision to fund an underground dam project in Langkawi.
DPMM Kedah charter president Datuk Mohd Zayad Md Ismail said the project served dual purposes: providing clean water for domestic use and supporting industries on the island.
"This project can also act as a catalyst for other industries, such as generating electricity, flood mitigation, irrigation and creating a recreational area.
"Moreover, the proposal to build the underground dam will be the first of its kind in the country, which can add value to Langkawi's tourism industry.
"I am confident this proposal can be implemented, as similar infrastructure exists abroad. In northern Brazil, for instance, water resources and tourism are integrated. Japan also has underground water dam models to address water supply issues on their resort islands," he said in a statement today.
Zayad stressed that the frequent water supply disruptions in Langkawi affected not only domestic use but also the tourism industry.
"The issue is that Langkawi, which is growing rapidly, naturally requires a consistent water supply, yet it heavily relies on water from the mainland.
"Even though there is an underwater pipeline from the mainland to Langkawi, it is still impractical if there is no original water source, especially during long droughts or El Niño phenomena, which had affected water supply to Langkawi."
He said as the country's main tourist island, Langkawi must be ensured a sufficient raw water supply, and improving the treated water system was essential to meeting commercial needs and boosting the local tourism sector.
"This is important and must be taken seriously because, as a tourist hub, clean water supply is a necessity. Economically, a consistent clean water supply can stimulate the retail, food and tourism sectors. It can also encourage more residents to provide homestay services, thus generating income and boosting the economy.
"If there is no consistent clean water supply, hotel and lodging operators will incur additional costs to provide clean water for their guests."
Zayad said the government could consider the use of underground water as an alternative water source for the country.
"Research shows that underground water usage in Malaysia is less than three per cent compared with other countries like Denmark at 100 per cent, Austria at 98 per cent, Thailand at 80 per cent, China at 78 per cent and the United States at 50 per cent.
"Islands recognised as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) Global Geopark network must have their ecological sustainability supported and preserved."
On June 1, it was reported that Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir said the federal government has agreed to fund an underground dam in Langkawi.
He said the move would help to increase raw water resources in Langkawi and reduce dependence on treated water supplies from the mainland.
Meanwhile, Zayad said the government could boost tourism in Langkawi by introducing a one-time ferry ticket subsidy for all Malaysians.
"This means every Malaysian could redeem a free round-trip ferry ticket to Langkawi once in their lifetime. This initiative could be implemented through ID verification, in collaboration with ferry service companies. If implemented, it would stimulate other industries in Langkawi."