Strengthening water resilience in Malaysia
The 2024 Malaysia – Netherlands Water Dialogue, themed ‘Pathway to Resilience: Achieving Water Security Amidst Climate Change,’ united officials, water experts and climate specialists from both countries in a collaborative effort to bolster Malaysia’s water security and climate resilience.
Climate change is intensifying threats to Malaysia's Water Infrastructure, Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof warns. “From severe heat waves causing droughts to heavy rains and flash floods, these severe weather events pose significant threats to our water infrastructure,” he said at the 7th Malaysia-Netherlands Water Dialogue. In addition, he stressed the urgency of forward-looking planning to safeguard water resilience.
On the other hand, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia Jacques Werner called attention to the importance of international collaboration in tackling water security amid growing climate challenges. “Water is a simple yet powerful element that connects both our nations,” Werner said in his speech.
He pointed to Dutch expertise in resilient infrastructure projects such as the Delta Works and large-scale reclamation efforts, and the potential of nature-based solutions for adaptable, sustainable responses to environmental changes.
Moreover, Werner expressed optimism for strengthening the collaboration between the Netherlands and Malaysia, noting plans to formalise a long-term partnership through a memorandum of understanding in water management, an initiative supported by both nations’ prime ministers last year.
Fadillah praised the Netherlands for its ongoing support of water management, particularly through the Dutch Surge Support (DSS) scheme. “We are grateful to the Dutch Government for their commitment to assisting us, especially through the DSS scheme, which supports our flood risk reduction efforts. This partnership is a testament to the mutual goals shared by both nations,” he said.
He added that the recent launch of Malaysia’s Water Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR2040) is the backbone of the country’s water resilience strategy. With AIR2040, Malaysia aims to position the water sector as a significant contributor to the national economy by 2040. The roadmap outlines efforts to secure quality water supply, create jobs and foster scientific research and technology innovation.
Fadillah shared that this roadmap sets the stage for Malaysia to become a regional water industry hub and turn water management into a national growth driver. A key component of AIR2040 is the Climate Change Impact and Adaptation initiative, which focuses on integrated strategies for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction. These efforts include improving infrastructure resilience, boosting operational efficiency and leveraging cost-effective technology to create a sustainable water management framework.
The Malaysia – Netherlands Water Dialogue is a collaboration between PETRA and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia. Held on 18 November at the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), the event illustrated the longstanding bilateral partnership, built on shared commitments to sustainable water management.
Innovative solutions & knowledge exchange
The dialogue featured four panel sessions that explored forward-looking solutions for water security.
A session titled ‘Flood Management Pilot Project in Sabak Bernam’ moderated by Dr Safari Mat Desa from the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (Nahrim), highlighted the use of nature-based solutions to manage floods. Featuring experts such as Tjitte Nauta from Deltares and Jasper Leven from Royal Haskoning — both from the Netherlands — as well as Noor Aishah Zaharin from Malaysia’s Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the panel discussed the Sabak Bernam project as a pilot initiative aimed at building scalable flood resilience solutions.
In the ‘Data-Driven Approach for Water Security session, moderated by Assoc Prof Dr Norhayati from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the focus was on the role of technology and data analytics in water management. Panellists such as Ir Marini Mohamad Ideris from Nahrim and Ir Ainul Azhar Mohd Jemoner from the Selangor Works Department highlighted Malaysia’s plans to develop a Water Living Lab, which will use advanced data tools to improve water management strategies, enhance predictive capacities, and enable rapid response to climate-related water challenges.
Key takeaways from the Dutch Water Board system
Throughout the dialogue, the Dutch Water Board model was cited as a prime example of effective water governance and flood management. This water authority, which receives a dedicated budget annually, oversees flood resilience and water management across the Netherlands.
The model’s success in integrating community engagement and sustainable practices resonated with Malaysian officials, who are considering similar governance structures to enhance water security. By adopting aspects of the Dutch model, Malaysia hopes to achieve a resilient water future.
Fadillah stressed that collaboration with Dutch experts allows Malaysia to learn from successful international practices, fostering innovation and effective management.
In his closing remarks, Fadillah reiterated PETRA’s dedication to the AIR2040 goals, highlighting plans to integrate sustainable infrastructure and policy reform. “As we embrace new technologies, improve water management strategies and prioritise sustainable infrastructure, we are setting the foundation for a water sector that not only supports environmental resilience but also acts as a driver of economic growth and innovation,” he said.
Both nations share a commitment to advancing water resilience in the face of climate change, aiming for a future where water security is a cornerstone of environmental and economic stability.
