Kota Kinabalu: Advanced pipeline technology and trenchless pipe-laying methods could significantly reduce non-revenue water (NRW) to below 10 per cent, according to industry expert Michael Loh.
Loh, Chief Business Development Officer of Heap Wah Barakah Sdn Bhd, said pipeline quality remains one of the most critical factors in minimising water leakage and seepage, which directly affect supply efficiency.
Speaking at the Plumbing Asia 2026 Conference & Expo, he stressed that durable and efficient pipe systems are key to addressing NRW challenges.
“Our main mission is to supply pipeline systems that help reduce NRW to a low level, below 10 per cent,” he said.
NRW refers to treated water that is lost before reaching consumers, often due to leaks, pipe bursts or system inefficiencies. Loh noted that poor pipe conditions continue to be a major contributor to such losses, leading to unnecessary wastage and higher operational costs for water operators.
“Whatever the pipe, if the pipe is of good quality, it will reduce the cost of seepage and leakage. This is the main concern,” he said.
He added that lowering NRW not only improves operational efficiency but also supports water conservation and long-term sustainability. Water utilities can remain financially viable when NRW is maintained at 20 per cent or below, while further reductions can enhance industrial productivity and broader economic growth.
Loh also highlighted newer trenchless pipe-laying technologies under the PAM system developed by Saint-Gobain. These include pipe jacking and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which allow underground installation with minimal surface disruption.
“These methods help minimise the timeframe and improve efficiency, while enhancing efforts to reduce NRW,” he said.
Unlike conventional approaches that require open excavation, trenchless methods reduce disruption to existing infrastructure and enable faster pipe installation and replacement.
Providing some background, Loh said the PAM system originated in France in 1856 with the manufacture of cast iron pipes. The company later adopted centrifugal pipe production technology in 1927 and has since expanded globally.
Today, Saint-Gobain supplies pipeline systems to more than 120 countries and produces approximately 40 kilometres of pipeline systems annually, supported by around 1,500 registered patents.
“In Europe, 40 per cent of the company’s turnover is achieved with products created within the last five years,” he added, underscoring its focus on innovation.
Loh cited a clean water project in Cambodia funded by Agence Française de Développement, where pipeline systems were deployed to improve access to safe water for between one and two million people.
He said such initiatives demonstrate the importance of reliable pipeline infrastructure in strengthening urban water management and expanding access to clean water.
Malaysia, he added, remains a key market for these solutions as the country continues efforts to modernise its water infrastructure and tackle NRW issues.
