Using Choice Modelling to Reveal Household Demand for Wastewater Treatment in Malaysia

In Malaysia, an efficient sewerage system is vital to ensure that wastewater is treated adequately before being discharged into the river system. Wastewater from household may contain harmful dissolved or suspended matter and unregulated discharge of wastewater that undermines biological diversity, natural resilience and the capacity of the ecology to provide fundamental ecosystem services. This study is undertaken to assist the relevant governmental bodies and service providers to identify an improved wastewater management strategy from the consumer perspectives. The study applies the choice modelling technique and based on focus group discussions, attributes such as river water quality (effluent), environmental improvement (sludge), standard time for repair (response time), odour impact (distance) and a monetary attribute (additional payment) were identified.