'Use rainwater to clean toilet, car instead'

The public have been urged to use rain water to clean toilets, cars and water their flower plants to reduce the use of clean water.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said by using new technology the people could reduce their budget on clean water in daily activities and adopt green practices in their lives.

He said, towards this end, awareness campaigns through the Malaysian Green Foundation would be increased to create awareness on the use of the more economical technology.

"Currently, we use rain water in several government buildings in Putrajaya by gathering the water in a tank which is piped for cleaning toilets and we can expand the use to mosques.

"Thus, we can cut down on the use of clean water and expenses, although we are taking too long to persuade the public to use the technology," he told reporters after attending a programme at the Mu'adzam Shah Mosque here Saturday.

Meanwhile, Mahdzir, who is also Padang Terap Member of Parliament, urged the state governments to take the initiative to boost the quality of treated water. He said this was because the quality of treated water in some states did not achieve the stipulated standard.

"Residents of developed nations can drink straight from the tap marked 'drinking water' due to the good quality of water supplied.

"The supply of clean water in this country must be further improved as industries also need clean water in large quantities," he added.