Repair work is underway on a decades-old underwater pipeline supplying water to Langkawi Island, with officials stating a complete replacement could cost as much as one billion ringgit ($210 million USD). 

Mohamad Yusuf@Munir Zakaria, chairman of the State Committee for Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply, Water Resources and Environment Committee, told the state assembly today that current efforts are focused on fixing leaks in the 36-kilometre (22-mile) pipeline.

Yusuf explained that an initial RM50 million ($10.5 million USD) has been allocated for the repairs, including RM10 million for consultancy fees. 

Since taking over the concession in November 2020, state-owned Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada) has internally repaired 42 new leak locations using underwater clamps. Inspections and repairs are conducted bi-weekly, weather permitting, at a total cost of RM3.1 million ($650,000 USD).

Further repair works are scheduled to begin in August and are expected to be completed by February 2026. These efforts will involve installing pressure steel clamps, rubber patch stoppers, and anti-corrosion treatment.

Yusuf noted that the leakage rate had reached a high of 55%, or 33 million litres per day, but has since been reduced to 27%, or 16 million litres per day, following initial repairs. The Sungai Baru Water Treatment Plant produces 60 million litres daily.