UTM works on project to protect our water sources

The Environment and Water Ministry’s and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia will facilitate the formulation of sound policies to support sustainable water management. — Bernama

UNIVERSITI Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is developing a national climate change adaptation framework for water sectors.

The framework is being developed by UTM through its Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security in collaboration with Environment and Water Ministry’s (Kasa) National Water Research Institute of Malaysia.

The centre’s senior fellow Prof Dr Zulkifli Yusop said work on the framework began in early February last year with focus on group discussions.

“The proposal for the project was presented to the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zaini Ujang in May this year.

“The framework is set to become a reference for decision- makers in the field of water resources,” he said when contacted.

Prof Zulkifli added that the framework would facilitate the formulation of sound policies and best practices to support sustainable water management and ensure water security, especially when dealing with the impact of climate change.

“To ensure the effectiveness of the framework, we will engage with water managers, non-governmental organisations, researchers and community stakeholders,” he said, adding that Malaysia is also vulnerable to climate change.

Prof Zulkifli added that the project reflected the government’s confidence in UTM.

“We often emphasise the significance of academic institutions and researchers in environmental discourse, particularly in making tangible efforts to maintain and restore ecosystems.

“This project offers us a great opportunity to work with the government in addressing and tackling climate change issues in Malaysia.

“We are happy to assist the government in building our nation’s resilience towards climate change and at the same time, securing and protecting our valuable water resources for current and future generations,” he said, adding that Malaysia’s water resources would continue to be at risk if there were no concrete actions taken.

The project was launched by Environment and Water Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man during a virtual ceremony in conjunction with World Environment Day.

The project will be led by Prof Zulkifli together with Dr Nor Eliza Alias, Dr Nur Syamimi Zaidi and Dr Achmad Syafiuddin from the centre.