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Using rainwater gets short shrift

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Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi has been criticised for ordering local councils to force building owners to collect rainwater for domestic uses like washing cars, flushing toilets and watering plants.

Critics say the issue shows the failure of the government to provide clean drinking water.

'We are not a desert kingdom like Saudi Arabia or a tiny island like Singapore,' said opposition lawmaker Kula Segaran. 'We have abundant water only it is poorly managed.'

Mr Abdullah said on Tuesday collecting rainwater for domestic use would reduce wastage of 'precious treated water' that was now being used to wash cars, flush toilets, clean drains and water plants.

He said a law being drafted would make it mandatory for building owners to install rainwater collection systems.

'Low cost houses' would be exempted.

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