Despite the public outcry, there is a good argument for removing subsidies. However, a far better option is to get rid of wasteful mega-projects.

The RM9 billion Pahang-Selangor Raw Water Transfer Project is a case in point where the decision-makers did not prefer the more sustainable option of a water demand management plan, which would cost RM10 million or less annually. This decision dishonoured our Environmental Quality Act.

The one reason that is offered with each new water supply mega-project is that the public will run out of water without it. What better way to scare us?

Stakeholders and members of civil society committed to sustainable management of our water and forest resources have already cited sound environmental, social and financial reasons for adopting a water demand management plan instead.

It could well be that the motivation to cut subsidies is to enable more mega-projects. For example, the 10 ^th Malaysia Plan proposes an incredible 6,300 km of new roads for Peninsular

Malaysia, where there is already a well-developed network of roads and highways. This plan is certain to fragment more habitats and drive more wildlife such as tigers to extinction.

In a secret deal with China, Sarawak has launched a plan to build a dozen large hydro-electric projects to produce energy that the state does not need. The projects will cause massive deforestation, flooding and displacement of indigenous people.

Thus, many Malaysians have the perception that the big infrastructure contractors clinch mega-projects with ‘sweetheart’ deals. Regardless, our decision-makers have worked up an appetite for mega-projects that is very costly to the public purse. But there is something the public could do to help them kick the habit – voluntarily reduce water and energy use.

If we cut water consumption by 20 percent in our homes and businesses and industry did the same, the Pahang-Selangor Raw Water Transfer Project would prove redundant – and our decision-makers left red-faced. Given that average domestic consumption is 50 to 100 percent higher than in places where water conservation is practiced, this is not a difficult goal to meet.

By means of new media and social networking tools, the rakyat can spread the message to save water and energy across the length and breadth of Malaysia.  It could help usher in the beginning of the end of a key reason why Malaysia is on the road to bankruptcy – our wasteful mega-projects.