Malaysia: Johor launches pilot water recycling plant

Rizalman Hammim New Straits Times 21 Mar 17;

JOHOR BARU: Johor is a step closer to become the first state to have a waste water recycling plant with the launch of a pilot plant in Taman Scientex here.

The plant, which has a capacity to recycle 125 cubic metre of waste water a day, was built by Jauhar Bluewater Sdn Bhd at the cost of RM2 million.

It uses a membrane bioreactor and reverse osmosis processes to treat waste water and the treated water, called Bluewater, will be tested to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) standards. However, the treated water is targeted for industrial use.

Jauhar Bluewater group managing director Datuk Seri Jeff Yap said the company would conduct various tests on the operations of the pilot plant and the quality of water it produces for the next six months.

“In that period, we will also study the cost of recycling waste water. Once all the tests are completed, only then will we start to look for a suitable location for a permanent plant,” said Yap.

He said the company has yet to determine the cost of the permanent plant as it would depend on the size and capacity of the plant.

Yap was speaking to the media after the launch of the pilot plant by Tunku Temenggong Johor Tunku Idris Sultan Iskandar, who is also the honorary chairman of Jauhar Bluewater.

Also present were state Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasni Mohammad and Jauhar Bluewater deputy chairman Datuk Moehamad Izat Emir.