SELANGOR'S ZERO DISCHARGE POLICY (ZDP)
Selangor’s Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP) officially gazetted on 20 June 2024 under the LUAS Enactment 1999, ushers in a new era of water governance. It legally mandates industries to recycle 100 percent of their effluent or face penalties of up to RM50,000 and imprisonment. Effective from January 2025, 13 regulated activities, including industrial operations must obtain licenses to ensure compliance. Air Lestari offers a vital solution through its zero CapEx Water Reclamation Plants (WRPs), enabling industries to meet regulatory requirements while significantly reducing operational costs across these 13 sectors.
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Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP):
Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS)
What is ZDP?
Selangor’s Zero Discharge Policy (ZDP) mandates industries to recycle and reuse 100 percent of effluent, eliminating untreated wastewater discharge into rivers and drains. This policy replaces the 2012 Emission or Discharge of Pollutants Regulations, aiming to improve water quality in Selangor’s major river basins and align with Malaysia’s Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST20240). Enforcement commenced in January 2025, following a six-month grace period to allow for compliance.
Objective
ZDP’s primary goals are to:
- Prevent river pollution by mandating the recycling of effluent.
- Enhance water security by repurposing treated wastewater for industrial use.
- Align with national sustainability targets, such as WST2040’s goal of achieving a 33 percent wastewater recycling rate by 2030.
Licensing Requirements, Scheduled Activities & Charges
Industries under 13 scheduled activities must obtain two licenses:
Discharge of Return Water License (AK)
Permits the reuse of treated water.
Entry or Discharge of Waste and Pollutants License (BP)
Regulates pollutant levels in treated effluent.
To learn more about this, kindly visit www.luas.com.my for further information.
How Air Lestari Helps Industries Comply with ZDP Regulations and Reduce Charges to LUAS
ZERO CapEx Water Reclamation Plant
- Eliminate Upfront Costs: Air Lestari Sdn Bhd fully finances, designs, builds, operates and maintains modular WRPs under the BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) framework, allowing industries to adopt advanced water recycling without incurring capital expenditures.
- Cost-Efficient Reclaimed Water: Clients access high-quality reclaimed water at attractive tariffs, up to 15 percent below municipal rates, reducing operational expenses while meeting ZDP requirements.
Advanced Technology For Compliance
- MOH-Grade Reclaimed Water: Air Lestari Sdn Bhd WRP produces reclaimed water of quality equivalent to the Ministry of Health (MOH) Drinking Water Standards for non-potable use.
- Pollutant Control: Treated effluent discharged from WRPs adheres to LUAS’s strict pollutant limits, avoiding fines and penalties (up to RM50,000 per violation).
Reduced OPEX On Luas Fees
- Eliminating Discharge Fees: By reclaiming 100 percent of effluent, industries avoid paying LUAS discharge fees (RM0.10–RM0.20/m³ based on volume).
- License Compliance: Air Lestari Sdn Bhdassists in securing AK/BP licenses and ensures real-time monitoring of parameters like pH, BOD, and TSS to maintain adherence, preventing regulatory penalties.
Comprehensive O&M Support
- End-to-End Management: Air Lestari Sdn Bhd handles daily operations, preventive maintenance, and 24/7 performance monitoring, freeing industries from technical burdens.
- Guaranteed Water Quality: Automated systems and IoT-enabled analytics ensure consistent Reclaimed Water standards, minimising disruptions and maximising uptime.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) & Sustainability Benefits
- Green Financing Incentives: Reclaimed water usage enhances ESG credentials, qualifying industries for green loans and tax incentives under Malaysia’s Green Technology Master Plan.
- Environmental Stewardship: Reducing river pollution and freshwater dependency aligns with UN SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), boosting corporate reputation.
