PETRA and NAHRIM intensify efforts on flood forensics, alternative water sources and AI-driven quality monitoring to secure Malaysia’s water future under the AIR2040 agenda.
PUTRAJAYA: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) is intensifying efforts to strengthen national water security through science and innovation. Its agency, the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), is driving this push in line with the 2040 Water Sector Transformation Agenda.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said a research-driven approach is central to ensuring sustainable water management. He emphasised this is crucial for addressing climate change and rising demand.
A key initiative is the Malaysian Flood Forensics Team (FORBiM), established last year. This team conducts data-driven investigations to identify the root causes of flooding.
“As a start, the Kuala Lumpur FORBiM team is carrying out forensic studies to determine the true causes of floods and enable more effective mitigation strategies,” Fadillah said. The approach includes improved monitoring and maintenance of infrastructure.
Flood management is also being enhanced through surplus water storage technologies. These include riverbed reservoirs, nature-based solutions and multi-functional reservoirs.
Local innovations like the PETRAN Automatic Flood Retaining Wall have been developed to reduce flood impacts. The PETRAN Mobile Flood Mitigation Wall is another such innovation.
To ensure long-term water supply, agencies are exploring alternative sources. These include upgraded reservoirs, groundwater mapping and seawater desalination.
Such alternatives are targeted particularly for remote and underserved areas. Research is strengthened through projects like PETRAN-SIDS in the Melaka River basin, Langkawi.
This initiative integrates water supply, flood mitigation and eco-tourism into a holistic model. NAHRIM has also begun commercialising treated rainwater products for public use.
The products, named PETRAN RAINDROPS and CLOUDRAIN, represent this commercial push. In water quality, advanced technologies like artificial intelligence are being deployed.
These technologies enable real-time pollution detection in water bodies. The locally developed AIR3S system allows for faster enforcement and mitigation actions.
This system increases protection of the country’s water resources by acting before pollution reaches critical levels. Additional innovations include the PETRAN Water Quality Device and a Water Reserve Indicator.
A Natural River Sedimentation Control Product is also part of the innovation portfolio. NAHRIM is conducting coastal forensic studies to evaluate protection systems against erosion.
Its Hydraulic and Instrumentation Laboratory supports physical modelling for infrastructure design. This ensures safe and cost-effective engineering solutions.
PETRA has established a National Water Hub to integrate research, innovation and development. The hub aims to position Malaysia as a regional water hub by 2040.
Fadillah said the collaboration reflects a strong commitment to advancing Malaysia’s water management capabilities. The goal is to establish the country as a centre of excellence in the region.
The Sun Malaysia
