Is Kuala Lumpur Tap Water Safe To Drink?
No, it's not advisable to drink the tap water.
Tap water in Kuala Lumpur is treated and generally meets Malaysia's national drinking water quality standards. It undergoes purification processes including filtration and disinfection.
However, many locals and visitors prefer bottled or filtered water due to occasional issues with pipe infrastructure and potential contamination after treatment.
For safety, it is advisable to consume boiled, filtered, or bottled water, especially for tourists or individuals with sensitive immune systems.
Last checked: 2025-04-25
Malaysia is ranked as number 90 globally with a score of 54% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The main sources of tap water in Kuala Lumpur are surface water from reservoirs and rivers. Key reservoirs include Sungai Selangor and Semenyih.
Water is collected, treated, and distributed by the national water company, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (SYABAS). The treatment plants ensure water safety.
Groundwater is minimal in use for Kuala Lumpur's supply. Reliance is primarily on surface water due to the city's urbanization and population size.
Kuala Lumpur Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Kuala Lumpur vary in cleanliness and maintenance. Some may not be regularly sanitized, posing potential health risks.
Water quality at fountains depends on local supply and pipe conditions. Contamination risks can arise from aging infrastructure or poor upkeep.
For safety, it is recommended to use bottled or filtered water rather than relying on public fountains for drinking water.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Kuala Lumpur. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.