Can I Drink Tap Water in Kuala Lumpur?

Air Selangor states that treated tap water supplied to Kuala Lumpur complies with Ministry of Health Malaysia standards and WHO guidelines, and its water quality page notes free residual chlorine targets of 0.2-5.0 mg/L at the consumer end. However, Air Selangor also explicitly notes that plumbing and sanitary systems within consumer premises can affect water quality and advises appropriate filtration where needed. For travelers, bottled or filtered water is the safer default for drinking, while tap water is generally fine for bathing and routine hygiene.

Kuala Lumpur is supplied by Air Selangor, which manages treatment and distribution across the Klang Valley. On its official water quality guidance, Air Selangor states that treated tap water complies with standards from the Ministry of Health Malaysia and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The utility also publishes operational information such as free residual chlorine (FRC) expectations at consumer endpoints, indicating a treated and disinfected municipal supply rather than untreated raw water. The practical issue for travelers is not only the treatment plant but the last stretch to the faucet. Air Selangor specifically notes that water quality can be affected by plumbing and sanitary systems within consumer premises, and it advises consumers to use suitable filters where appropriate. In Kuala Lumpur, that means tap water can be reasonable in modern buildings with good tank maintenance and plumbing, while older apartments, offices, or poorly maintained storage tanks may produce discoloured water, metallic taste, sediment, or microbial risk. Because conditions vary by building, most travelers and many residents prefer bottled water or filtered water for direct drinking, especially during short stays.

Kuala Lumpur is manageable for safe hydration, but it is not a city where travelers should assume every tap is equally reliable for drinking. Use bottled or well-filtered water for direct consumption, especially in apartments or older buildings. In established hotels and major restaurants, ice is typically made from treated or commercial water and is usually safe. Tap water remains suitable for showers and routine hygiene in most places. If you are staying more than a few weeks, a good countertop or under-sink filter is worth it.