Stronger public-private collaboration essential to ensure water resources remain sustainable

Water authorities across the nation must invest in enhancing the security and safety of their water infrastructure, treatment facilities, and intake systems, according to Pengerian Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa. Jaseni emphasized the necessity of collaboration between public and private sectors to ensure sustainable water resources.

He stressed the importance of incorporating water tariff adjustments, conservation efforts, and reducing leakages and wastage in addressing droughts and global warming. PAAB, which owns over 2,200 water assets nationwide, including storage tanks, pumping stations, intake stations, treatment plants, dams, and piping systems, has been actively investing in asset management across 10 states.

However, Sabah and Sarawak have the autonomy to manage their water resources independently. State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari highlighted Penang's commitment to strengthening water security by creating a climate-resilient water ecosystem that supports high-tech industrial growth while maintaining water safety, accessibility, and affordability.

Zairil stressed that water security should be an integral part of Penang's economic strategy, as the state's growth depends on advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, research and development, medical technology, and other high-value industries. These industries require reliable infrastructure, skilled workforce, secure energy, and most importantly, a sustainable water supply.