Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must accelerate the adoption of green technology in the water sector to secure the long-term sustainability of the nation's water supply, stated Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa. He emphasized the importance of focusing on strengthening the water supply system through green technology initiatives rather than solely concentrating on flood mitigation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jaseni mentioned that most PAAB projects are now directed to explore the latest green technologies with the primary aim of reducing the carbon footprint. He highlighted that transitioning to green technology not only enhances the sustainability of the water supply system but also cuts down operational costs. The goal is to make the system more efficient and align the entire water supply value chain with a circular economy model.
Addressing attendees at the WaterTech Asia 2025 Exhibition and Forum held at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), Jaseni underscored the success of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) in recycling treatment plant residue as a benchmark for nationwide adoption. He added that the industry is awaiting a decision from the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) on declassifying water treatment residue as scheduled waste, a move that could attract more entrepreneurial investment since other countries such as Japan, the United States, and Australia do not classify it as such.
Jaseni further pointed out that WaterTech Asia is instrumental in encouraging water operators, vendors, suppliers, and innovators to prioritize green technology as the industry's future. At the same event, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan highlighted Penang's urgent need for innovative approaches and technologies to support its long-term water resilience due to its status as a water-stressed state with high demand.
Pathmanathan noted that WaterTech Asia 2025, being an international event, provides a crucial platform for exhibitors from various countries to showcase solutions and for innovators to address existing issues. The three-day exhibition and conference feature participation from over 100 exhibitors from countries including Indonesia, China, Canada, Germany, and Korea. The event aims to position Malaysia as a regional hub for water management professionals and supporting industries, fostering both regional and global growth opportunities.