KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — The government aims to introduce alternative private financing to ensure the financial sustainability of water sector programmes, thereby reducing dependence on government expenditure and strengthening resilience, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, also energy transition and water transformation minister, said the private sector’s involvement is crucial to meet substantial investments required by the water sector transformation plan to ensure water security.
He said a united effort is required from the public and private sectors to implement sustainable water management practices by embracing technological advancements, upgrading ageing infrastructure and promoting responsible consumption, which are critical steps to ensure responsible and sustainable water resource management.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure universal access to clean and safe water, regardless of background or circumstance, as water security underpins justice, prosperity, and hope for a better future,” he said in his keynote address at the Water Malaysia Specialised Conference and Exhibition 2024.
Organised by the Malaysian Water Association, the event provides a platform for officials and stakeholders from all water subsectors to discuss key issues for a more holistic water transformation, leading to 2040.
In his keynote address, Fadillah reiterated the strategic objectives of the transformation plan, including increasing clean water and sewerage coverage in rural areas by 98 per cent and reducing non-revenue water to 31 per cent by 2025.
He said the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) will advocate the integration of cutting-edge technologies and robust infrastructure to reshape the water sector ecosystem.
“By embracing Malaysia’s push towards IR 4.0, I am optimistic about our nation’s capacity to adopt advanced technologies in bolstering our water management capabilities,” he said.
To further unlock the full potential of sustainable water management, Fadillah said Petra will develop a centralised water data and information centre, which will serve as a reliable source of data crucial in calculating the national virtual water footprint and establishing a water footprint inventory across economic sectors.
“As such, data-driven decision-making, research and development, and public-private collaboration will be key in driving our transformation plan in fostering innovation and inclusivity,” he said.
Fadillah said he is confident that by prioritising sustainability, financial resilience, and holistic approaches, the water transformation plan can pave the way for Malaysia’s prosperous and secure future, with the water sector as an economic enabler and growth engine.
In April, Fadillah announced that Petra, in collaboration with the National Water Services Commission, would plan transformative measures for the water services sector.
— Bernama
