Melaka: Malaysia is not grappling with a lack of water resources but rather faces significant challenges in water management, necessitating comprehensive reforms to ensure the country's water security is safeguarded. National Water Icon 2026 Tan Sri Ir Shahrizaila Abdullah, a senior fellow at the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), emphasized the need for stronger integrated governance and collaboration between Federal and state governments and stakeholders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Shahrizaila highlighted that the solution to water issues lies in enhancing the efficiency of the management system rather than constructing more dams. He stressed the importance of viewing water as a complete system, from catchment areas to treatment plants and consumers, to achieve sustainable management. Shahrizaila's contributions to water management were recognized with the National Water Icon 2026 award during the national-level World Water Day 2026 celebration by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA).
Shahrizaila noted that the National Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040) requires ongoing commitment from governments and strong political will to translate policies into effective actions. Developed under the 12th Malaysia Plan, the roadmap aims to optimize the water sector's potential as an economic enabler and growth driver. Its implementation involves four phases, focusing on integrated water resource management, technology development, achieving economies of scale, and establishing Malaysia as a regional water industry hub.
Datuk Ir Abdul Kadir Mohd Din, chairman of the ASM Water Committee and the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), pointed out the challenges stemming from governance weaknesses and management coordination. Despite high annual rainfall, the resource is underutilized due to overlapping responsibilities among agencies. Abdul Kadir emphasized the need for a comprehensive river basin management approach and highlighted the issue of Non-Revenue Water (NRW), with significant water losses resulting in substantial financial losses annually.
Adoption of advanced technologies like AI-based systems, Digital Twin, and IoT could enhance leak detection and improve efficiency. The water sector must integrate technology to support its development trajectory towards becoming a regional water hub by 2040. Emphasizing a circular water economy, Abdul Kadir suggested expanding the use of treated or recycled water in industries to prioritize clean water for domestic use.
He proposed establishing a National Water University to develop future leaders and experts in the water sector, complementing the country's water science, technology, and policy ecosystem. Shahrizaila supported this proposal, highlighting its potential to produce high-caliber human capital and strengthen local talent development.
Abdul Kadir concluded that the water sector transformation should be guided by a philosophy that emphasizes conservation and future security, encapsulating the idea that every drop conserved today builds the nation's future.