Kuala lumpur: Malaysia must continue advancing the use of bio-based and plant-derived technologies as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical treatments in water and wastewater management, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He emphasized that these innovations not only reduce the nation's carbon footprint and environmental impact but also enhance resource efficiency and national self-reliance by cutting dependence on imported materials.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah highlighted that these efforts align with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), ensuring water sustainability and environmental stewardship progress in harmony, benefiting both people and the planet. Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, made these remarks while officiating the Malaysia International Water Convention (MIWC) 2025, attended by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
He stressed that as Malaysia moves towards Water Sector Transformation 2040 (AIR2040), it must embrace emerging technologies and empower local innovators to shape the future of the country's water industry. He called for Malaysia to not only adopt foreign technologies but also to create, refine, and export its innovations globally, cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of startups, researchers, and entrepreneurs to build a strong foundation of local intellectual property.
Fadillah also launched the NextWave Innovation initiative and the Young Water Professional Mentor-Mentee programme during the event. He described MIWC 2025 as more than a conference, labeling it a catalyst for transformation that unites government, industry, academia, and innovators with a shared goal to harness water's potential, unlock opportunities, and drive technological and innovative advances.
A key highlight of the convention is the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Workshop, focusing on efficiency improvement, resource conservation, and long-term sustainability through smart metering, leak detection, and data-driven monitoring. He noted that Malaysia is taking significant steps to align with global sustainability goals and enhance operational excellence.
Elaborating on the NextWave Innovation initiative, Fadillah mentioned the strategic collaboration between Professional Trade Exhibitions and Meeting Planners (PROTEMP) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), bridging research and application, academia and industry. He emphasized that such partnerships represent Malaysia's collaborative DNA, merging knowledge, technology, and purpose to create real-world impact.
He further stated that Malaysia envisions establishing a National Water Hub by 2040 in alignment with AIR2040's aspirations. This hub would serve as the nerve center of the nation's water ecosystem, connecting research, innovation, policy, and industry under one dynamic framework. However, he added that sustainable water management's mission cannot rely on a single institution but requires collective responsibility from policymakers, industry players, researchers, and communities.