We apply the bootstrap Malmquist-Luenberger productivity index (MLPI) to measure the total factor productivity (TFP) growth for 14 water operators in Malaysia during the years 2000–2017. The analysis confirms that Malaysia's water sector experienced a deterioration in average productivity of 1.21% per year, attributed mainly to technological regression. Before the regulatory reform, the average productivity of water operators improved and was positively influenced by efficiency change. After the reform, the water operators suffered a decline in TFP growth due to decreased efficiency and technical change. The inefficient utilization of capital expenditure and aging water infrastructure are possible reasons for this effect. Regulatory reform is necessary but insufficient to improve the productivity growth of Malaysia's water sector.

我们应用 bootstrap Malmquist-Luenberger 生产率指数 (MLPI) 来衡量 2000 年至 2017 年马来西亚 14 家水务运营商的全要素生产率 (TFP) 增长。分析证实，马来西亚水务部门的平均生产力每年下降 1.21%，这主要是由于技术倒退。在监管改革之前，供水经营者的平均生产力有所提高，并受到效率变化的积极影响。改革后，由于效率下降和技术变革，水务经营者的 TFP 增长出现下降。资本支出的低效利用和老化的水利基础设施可能是造成这种影响的原因。监管改革是必要的，但不足以提高马来西亚水务部门的生产力增长。