PETALING JAYA: Several non-governmental organisations have pledged to lend a hand in encouraging water conservation among the public.
They will work with the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to make a success of its WaterWise campaign, which was launched in December.
The campaign aims to foster responsible water usage among Malaysians and address the country’s growing water security challenges.
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago said the involvement of NGOs was essential in these efforts.
“They play a crucial role in shaping public attitudes and driving on-the-ground engagement,” said Santiago, who met with NGO leaders on Monday ahead of World Water Day on Saturday.
A widespread understanding of the nation’s water supply was necessary to garner more support for conservation efforts, said the Global Environment Centre’s (GEC) Dr Kalithasan Kailasam.
“People should know their water address (where the water supply comes from) or river address (where waste flows to), so that each one of us can take ownership of our related water bodies and act accordingly,” said Dr Kalithasan, who is GEC’s River Care programme manager.
Malaysian Muslim Consumer Association (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said his organisation also intends to work on educating people to understand and appreciate what they have.
Meaningful change, he said, would require a shift in behaviour – one that discourages waste.
The Environmental Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM), which has been collecting data on water consumption patterns in Malaysian households over the years, has offered its technical expertise.
“EPSM can share its knowledge about our initiatives to help support the WaterWise programme,” said its president Nithi Nesadurai.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meena Raman said her organisation has also reaffirmed its commitment to water conservation.
“We will continue to advocate for the protection of water resources and to ensure water security.”
SPAN has also engaged a number of water operators and educational institutions in its WaterWise campaign, including Petrosains, the National Science Centre, as well as the Raja Tun Uda and Kuala Lumpur libraries.
It intends to further expand its efforts through school outreach programmes, university-led projects and community-led initiatives.
