Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof, during today’s Future Leaders of Water Sustainability (FLOWS) 2024 symposium emphasised the urgent need to address the water crisis, both locally and globally.
Highlighting Malaysia’s advanced water infrastructure, he acknowledged the country’s progress in providing clean water and sanitation but underscored significant challenges that remain.
“A pressing challenge lies in ensuring a continuous and adequate water supply, especially in drought-stricken regions, where existing water resources face heightened pressure.
Simultaneously, intense rainfall and flooding events pose risks to water infrastructure, disrupting supply chains and compromising water quality.
Additionally, water pollution, driven by various factors including industrial discharge and agricultural runoff, threatens both human health and aquatic ecosystems,” he said.
The event, held at the Connexion Conference & Event Centre in Bangsar South City, Kuala Lumpur brought the themed “Catalysing the Ripple Effect in Currents of Resilience,”.
The symposium aimed to foster cross-sector collaborations for innovative solutions aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) no. 6 – ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation, sustainable management of water resources, wastewater, and ecosystems.
Furthermore, Fadillah stressed the importance of water security, which goes beyond access to clean water, encompassing societal well-being, economic resilience, and ecological integrity.
He highlighted that Malaysia confronts considerable hurdles concerning drinking water quality and accessibility, notably evidenced by previous disruptions due to pollution. Surface water contamination from sources like chemical waste and agricultural runoff severely diminishes water sources, affecting millions and resulting in economic setbacks.
Moreover, climate-induced floods and prolonged droughts strain water resources, manifesting in arid landscapes and diminishing reservoirs. These challenges, exacerbated by climate change, reduce water availability, intensify human suffering, and elevate the risks of social instability and migration.
“These challenges are not just statistics but represent individuals and communities directly impacted by water scarcity and pollution. Therefore it is imperative to recognise the voices of those affected and address their needs effectively,” he added.
- He emphasised the need for data-driven policies and collaboration among stakeholders, citing initiatives such as the centralised water data centre as strategic steps forward.
The Deputy Prime Minister later outlined strategic objectives outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan to bolster water security and sustainability, aligning with SDG 6 goals.
“…in achieving sustainable water management, it will require a foundation of data-driven policies and collaboration between multiplestakeholders. Initiatives like the centralised water data centre aimed to enhance decisionmaking processes and promote effective resource management is a strategic way forward,” he further added.
Fadillah called for collective action and partnerships to ensure access to clean and safe water for all individuals, emphasising community engagement, empowerment, and education as pivotal steps in the water transformation journey.
