rubbish or solid waste/objects. When that happens, the wastewater will overflow from the public manholes. IWK is responsible for clearing the blockage in the sewer through the manholes using special equipment within 24 hours from the time of notification. • Missing manhole cover Public manholes are covered with a round metal cover made of cast iron and are embossed with “JPP” (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pembetungan), “Indah Water” or Local Authority’s logo. There have been many cases of the cover being stolen by unscrupulous individuals. The new manhole covers come with a hinge and lock to prevent theft. IWK will replace the missing cover within 12 hours from the time of notification. • Blockage within a premise The blockage in the sanitary plumbing within a premise or between a premise to the nearest public manhole can cause the toilet to overflow or spill. That is usually caused by solid waste/object blocking the passage in the pipeline. Clearing of the blockage can be performed through the drainage pipe in the inspection chamber or the internal sewerage pipeline within the premise. The inspection chamber can be identified from the single rectangular metal cover, which is usually located outside the premise either in front, at the back or by the side. The service is rendered within 48 hours from the time of notification.
• Blockage at public sewer IWK is responsible for maintaining the public sewer network for areas which have a sewerage system that are connected to is public STP. The most common problem encountered is blockage caused by rubbish/solid waste, grease, rubbles, grit, and occasionally damaged pipes. IWK will rectify the problem within 24 hours depending on the type of objects blocking the passage, using high pressured water jet, high powered vacuum and/or mechanical rudders. If there are broken pipes, IWK will replace the pipe and ensure minimal inconvenience to customers. • Future investment plan to improve facilities For the future, the government plans to have 85% of the urban population to be connected to the sewer network while the remaining 15% will be using septic tanks. For the rural areas, the government plans to have 70% of the population with septic tanks and the rest will be using non-standard facilities. Besides that, regional plants will be established to integrate all developers’ smaller plants into a more efficient system. IWK has conducted a number of sewerage studies in order to assess demand and capacity for a 30-year planning horizon and has designed a 3-phase strategy. The phases are (1) locating and upgrading the old wastewater treatment plants as well as increasing the septage collection capacity, (2) using all available oxidation ponds as a temporary measure for septage treatment Study on the Current Issues and Needs for Water Supply and Wastewater Management in Malaysia
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