Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Through the Water Treaty Between Kedah and Perlis (1971-1999): Implications for Water Resource Management and Equitable Resource Sharing in Malaysia and Globally

Authors

  • Mohd Firdaus Abdullah Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

Keywords:

Sustainable Development Goals, Water Management, Kedah, Perlis, Malaysia

Abstract

Water scarcity poses significant challenges to sustainable development. This study investigates the historical water treaty between Kedah and Perlis, Malaysia (1971-1999), focusing on Perlis' non-payment for water intake from Kedah. The transboundary relationship involves raw water transfer from Kedah's Muda Dam to Perlis. By examining this dispute within Malaysia's sustainable development context and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the research elucidates challenges in water resource management and equitable sharing. The study assesses the treaty's impact on water accessibility, urban resilience, societal inclusivity, and peace, revealing complex dynamics influenced by political alignments and economic considerations. It finds that Perlis' ability to secure water without payment from Kedah underscores the need for clearer legal frameworks and transparent governance in managing shared resources. The findings highlight Malaysia’s need to adopt new approaches to manage its water supply, addressing internal concerns and enhancing sustainable development efforts aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights to discussions on sustainable water management, emphasizing the necessity of fair resource allocation and collaborative solutions for long-term welfare and development in both regions.

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Published

2024-11-24

How to Cite

Abdullah, M. F. (2024). Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Through the Water Treaty Between Kedah and Perlis (1971-1999): Implications for Water Resource Management and Equitable Resource Sharing in Malaysia and Globally. Thammasat Review, 27(2), 197–224. retrieved from https://sc01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tureview/article/view/240876