Global Water Crisis Knows No Borders: Malaysia Leads Call For Urgent Cooperation
PARIS, FRANCE - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 May 2025 - Malaysia calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation in addressing the global water crisis – a transboundary challenge impacting nations of rich and poor alike. Strategic partnerships and coordinated policy actions are essential to securing a sustainable and resilient water future for all.
While sharing Malaysia's experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development.
'Water, the lifeblood of our planet, unites us in a shared responsibility. The global water crisis, transcending borders and economies, demands urgent collaboration,' he said in his speech during the Opening Plenary: 'Delivering the Economics of Water' here today.
Sharing the nation's progressive approach to sustainable water management, Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), highlighted both its successes and lessons learned, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to offering its expertise as a model for countries facing similar water security issues.
In his address, he outlined key milestones in Malaysia's water management journey, emphasising reforms that have transitioned the country from fragmented state governance to a more coordinated federal-state partnership. He also underscored Malaysia's ongoing efforts to manage growing demands, including urbanisation, climate change and industrial water use.
Key Highlights from Malaysia's Water Sector Transformation 2040 Agenda:
1. Shifting Perspectives on Water – Malaysia is focusing on treating water as a precious, finite resource. The nation is accelerating smart water management systems and implementing a matching grants program to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) with co-funding from federal government.
2. Strengthening Private Sector Collaboration – Malaysia is inviting private sector investment to help drive innovation in water management. New policies are fostering opportunities for greater participation in green initiatives, water reclamation and the use of alternative energy sources in water infrastructure.
3. Proactive Preparedness for Climate Change – Malaysia is strengthening its resilience to climate change by enhancing flood forecasting, advance data modelling and scenario planning to better anticipate extreme weather events.
Dato' Sri Haji Fadillah also added that Malaysia's active role in regional efforts, particularly within ASEAN, while extended an invitation to global innovators to invest in and collaborate on the next generation of water technologies. The Malaysian government remains committed to fostering sustainable water management practices through continuous innovation, partnerships and shared global solutions.
Meanwhile, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Narendran Maniam stated that resource recovery has shifted from a discretionary measure to a policy imperative, driven by the pressing need to enhance environmental resilience and ensure sustainable resource management amid escalating economic and ecological pressures.
Narendran added that for IWK, resource recovery has evolved from being a nice-to-have to a necessity, with a focus on three main drivers behind this journey:
1. Commitment to Environmental Sustainability – IWK is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and creating positive environmental impact through all its efforts.
2. Changing the Utilities Landscape – by becoming the second tap for the nation. As Malaysia is rapidly becoming a regional hub for data centres, it presents a unique opportunity for IWK to support the sustainability of Malaysia's data centre industry through reclaimed water supply.
3. Economic Values and Financial Sustainability.
'Our message to the broader ecosystem is simple – bring value into the equation. The door is open for collaboration. As the national sewerage company, all collaborations will be subject to transparent open tenders and due diligence,' he said at the roundtable talk 'Delivering the Capex Surge' during the summit.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Thai PM thanks Anwar for offer to assist in border dispute
A royalist activist holds a Thai flag as he protests in front of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia, following a recent clash at the Thailand-Cambodia border on May 28, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, June 6, 2025. - Reuters BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said she has discussed the Thai-Cambodia border situation with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during a phone conversation on Friday (June 6). She said Anwar has expressed readiness to assist both sides in resolving the dispute. "Thank you, PM Anwar Ibrahim, for the call this afternoon to discuss the Thai - Cambodian border situation and to express readiness to help both sides to resolve the matter. "I reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to a peaceful resolution through existing bilateral mechanisms, while safeguarding our sovereignty in accordance with international law,' she said on her official X account on Friday. Malaysia as the current Asean chair, is understood to be closely monitoring developments on the border issue. Earlier Friday, Paetongtarn, after chairing the National Security Council meeting, announced that Thailand had established a special task force to address security concerns along its border with Cambodia. She said the army had been assigned to coordinate operations and maintain readiness to respond to any developments, prioritising the protection of sovereignty while safeguarding international relations to ensure national security. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa, Supreme Commander General Songwit Noonpakdee, National Security Council Chief Chatchai Bangchuad and the military's commanders-in-chief. On May 28, Thai and Cambodian troops were involved in a brief gunfight in Thailand's north-eastern Ubon Ratchathani province and Cambodia's northern Preah Vihear province, where one Cambodian soldier was reportedly killed. Cambodia has since announced its intention to bring the border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Meanwhile, the two neighbours have agreed to discuss the issue through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), scheduled to meet in Phnom Penh on 14 June. - Bernama
![[UPDATED] Malaysia to continue diplomatic efforts for Palestinian cause](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Fwtanwar76_NSTfield_image_socialmedia.var_1749270124.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Malaysia to continue diplomatic efforts for Palestinian cause](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Malaysia to continue diplomatic efforts for Palestinian cause
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said regional leaders have agreed to continue consultations and explore urgent solutions to the Gaza crisis, reaffirming a united front against Israeli aggression. Speaking after attending Aidiladha prayers at Masjid Putra, Anwar said his recent conversations with foreign counterparts — including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — had focused on the worsening situation in Gaza. "In all these discussions, we expressed a clear and united stance on Gaza — to stop the violence, reject all efforts to obstruct humanitarian aid, and to strongly condemn Israel's brutal and aggressive actions," he said. Anwar said the leaders had agreed to continue consultations and find alternative ways to resolve the crisis as soon as possible. Malaysia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and has consistently voiced strong support for the Palestinian cause. The country has long advocated for Palestinian statehood and regularly condemns Israeli actions in the occupied territories. The United States recently vetoed a resolution calling for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza, arguing that it would undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts. The move was heavily criticised by other members of the United Nations Security Council. It marked the 15-member body's first vote on the situation since November, when the United States — a key Israeli ally — also blocked a resolution calling for an end to the fighting. Asked whether Malaysia would raise the matter directly with the United States following its latest veto, Anwar said the government had already conveyed its position. "We have expressed our views, and they are already known to the international community. But this is not something one country can resolve on its own. "As we did with the Gulf states recently through Asean-GCC cooperation, we are rallying other nations to issue firm statements and pressure the world to stop the violence," he said. Anwar also criticised countries that publicly condemned Israel while continuing to supply it with weapons. "To condemn while selling arms to Israel is an act that clearly violates international and humanitarian law," he said. The conflict began after Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, prompting a large-scale Israeli military offensive in Gaza. The war has left Gaza's population facing severe shortages of food, water and medicine, as humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Ringgit set to extend gains as US fundamentals weaken
KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is poised to extend its gains against the US dollar next week, buoyed by weakening US fundamentals, easing trade tensions, and stronger domestic economic resilience. The local currency has already strengthened against major and Asean currencies, and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the trend is likely to persist as economic momentum in the US continues to lose steam. "We expect this trend to hold in the near term, driven by signs of a slowing US economy as business and consumer sentiment continue to weaken," he told Business Times. Afzanizam added that heightened uncertainty over US trade policies is further dampening confidence among businesses, prompting a reassessment of the greenback's global standing. "In some ways, the US dollar's dominance in the global economy is being revisited. This shift could favour emerging market currencies, including the ringgit, in the short to medium term," he said. Echoing this view, SPI Asset Management managing partner Stephen Innes said that foreign appetite for Malaysian assets remains strong, further supporting the local currency. "The ringgit is finally catching a break. With the US dollar on the back foot, tariffs de-escalating, and capital inflows into bonds and FX deposits rising, there is a tangible floor forming under ringgit," he said. Innes pointed to growing foreign appetite for Malaysian debt, highlighting the 3.3 times bid-to-cover ratio in May's 20-year government investment issue (GII) auction as a signal of revived confidence. He noted that foreign holdings of local government bonds have risen to 21.5 per cent, reversing a dip recorded in February. Adding to the ringgit's resilience, foreign currency deposits in local banks have climbed to a record 11.6 per cent of total deposits, offering a buffer against external shocks. Innes said that while Malaysia is not immune to global economic fragility, it is also not a sitting duck, with the domestic investment cycle now taking the lead. "If the trade war cools and global risk sentiment remains stable, Malaysia may continue to navigate the delicate balance between global volatility and domestic resilience. The ringgit, for once, has a shot at playing offence," he added. The ringgit opened higher this morning, extending its gains against the US dollar. At 8am, it stood at 4.2140/4.2335 compared with Thursday's close of 4.2245/4.2295. The local currency also traded mostly higher against major currencies, gaining ground against the Japanese yen and British pound, though it slipped slightly against the euro. Among regional peers, the ringgit appreciated across most Asean currencies, including the Singapore dollar, Thai baht, Indonesian rupiah and Philippine peso. It ended Friday's session at 4.2275 against the greenback.
