Summary

At the invitation of the Government, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, Léo Heller, undertook an official visit to Malaysia from 14 to 27 November 2018.

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur commends Malaysia for achieving near-universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene. However, when the situation is observed from a human rights perspective, it is of great concern that some groups still do not enjoy their human rights to water and sanitation. The Special Rapporteur emphasizes that a human rights-based approach to resolving such issues should prioritize and focus on those who are socially and economically marginalized, such as: (a) the Orang Asli indigenous peoples; (b) those living in rural areas; (c) those affected by megaprojects; (d) those living in informal settlements; (e) undocumented children in alternative educational facilities; (f) refugees and asylum seekers; (g) prisoners and detainees; and (h) transgender and gender non-conforming persons. To address disparities in access to water and sanitation, the Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government of Malaysia incorporate human rights into its continued efforts to improve water and sanitation services for all and to “leave no one behind”.