BEIJING: Water treatment, river basin management and renewable energy are among the sectors expected to see expanded cooperation between China and Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof (pic).
The Deputy Prime Minister said the two nations also agreed to explore cooperation in flood mitigation and the Sponge City concept where storm water is better stored, treated and drained in urban centres.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said both nations will also work together in power generation industries, including solar, hydro, nuclear technology, battery energy storage and pumped hydro solutions.
China’s leadership in clean energy opens up opportunities for collaboration, to further strengthen Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), he told reporters yesterday.
“I am very impressed with China’s technological advancements in flood mitigation, water treatment and sustainable management systems,” he said of the outcomes of his seven-day working visit.
“Through pilot projects and innovations, Malaysia aims to reduce costs, enhance efficiency and safeguard the people’s well- being, in line with the Malaysia Madani agenda.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for the invitation to the 22nd China-Asean Expo (Caexpo), and for the warm hospitality extended throughout our stay in Nanning, Chongqing and Beijing,” he said.
Fadillah began his working visit to China in Nanning on Sept 17, where he delivered Malaysia’s keynote address at the Caexpo opening ceremony, and held talks with Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng.
This was followed by a meeting with chairman of People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Wei Tao, where both sides discussed cooperation in renewable energy and water resources management. His visit to Chongqing allowed him to tour several leading companies in the water management sector.
Fadillah added that his visit to China concluded in Beijing with a meeting with Vice-Premier Liu Guozhong.
This was followed by a session with major Chinese energy companies, including the State Grid Corporation of China, China General Nuclear Power Corporation and China Energy Engineering Corporation.
“The commitment shown by China’s leadership and the spirit of cooperation throughout this engagement session reflect the closeness, trust and strategic importance of Malaysia-China relations,” he said.
Fadillah said under Malaysia’s Asean 2025 Chairmanship, the country is driving the ‘Enhanced MoU’ on the Asean Power Grid, an important step towards an inter- country power trade, which will benefit the entire region. He said the visit is expected to bring tangible benefits to Malaysia and China as well as the Asean region.
