Risk of Microbial Contamination & Waterborne Illnesses

Malaysia’s tap water is treated before it is supplied to households, but this does not always mean it is safe to drink directly from the tap. Once water leaves the treatment plant, it travels through an extensive network of pipelines before reaching homes, and along the way, it is vulnerable to contamination. Old or corroded pipelines, leaking joints, and unsanitary storage tanks can introduce bacteria, viruses, and parasites into the water supply. These risks increase during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding, which are common in Malaysia and often linked to flash floods or seasonal monsoon rains. Such conditions can allow untreated surface runoff or sewage to seep into the water supply, further increasing the likelihood of microbial contamination. Waterborne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Giardia can cause serious gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, and dysentery—conditions that are particularly dangerous to children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. While boiling water is a traditional method that effectively kills most pathogens, it is not always practical for daily use and cannot prevent recontamination if stored improperly. On the other hand, modern water purification systems such as ultraviolet (UV) sterilizers or reverse osmosis filters act as a stronger and more consistent barrier against microbes. This is why experts emphasize that filtration and purification offer a higher level of protection compared to boiling alone. On a global scale, contaminated water remains one of the leading causes of preventable diseases, with the World Health Organization reporting that unsafe drinking water contributes to hundreds of thousands of deaths each year, especially in developing regions. Malaysia is not exempt from these challenges, and therefore, taking precautionary measures like filtering or boiling water before drinking is essential to safeguard public health.