Malaysia Explores Solar Energy in Water Catchment Areas
BALI, May 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is currently exploring ways to optimise water catchment areas to generate solar energy without adversely impacting the environment and water quality, following practices implemented by other countries, including Indonesia.
Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Fadillah Yusof said Cirata floating solar panels on a reservoir in West Java could serve as an example.
“Malaysia reaffirms that it will ensure competition and inequalities for water resources and energy will be balanced without undermining the overall resilience of communities,” he said at the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) high-level leadership meeting, here Monday.
Fadillah emphasised Malaysia’s overarching goal of ensuring water security for all, to be realised through the adoption of integrated water resources management.
Key goals include attaining a clean water coverage of 98 per cent in rural areas and decreasing the non-revenue water rate to 31 per cent by 2025.
“Under the Sustainable Development Goal 6, equitable access for safe water and sanitation is accentuated for the rural and marginalised population, who should be given top priority, while clean water and sanitation both have an essential role to play in public health,” he explained.
Last year, about 97.1 per cent of the population in Malaysia had access to safe drinking water and 85.4 per cent of the population particularly in main cities receive centralised sewerage services.
Fadillah stressed that Malaysia is also developing a framework for resilience with water among the main focus in Malaysia’s National Adaptation Plan that is crucial given the country's vulnerability to water-related challenges such as floods, droughts, and water pollution.
As Malaysia emphasised the intertwined connection between water and peace, underscoring their essential coexistence, he also said that this forum needs to endorse equitable access and management of water resources, particularly the rural communities, promoting sustainable practices that pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future.
“Malaysia aims to empower individuals to facilitate its execution through collaboration among governments, the private sector, non-government organisations, academia, and various communities, enhancing governance across all levels as we strengthen our financial capability and infrastructure using cost effective technology,” he added.
Fadillah joined world leaders at the WWF high-level leadership meeting, chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
The WWF, held every three years, is co-organised by the WWC and the host country. This year’s event, themed “Water for Shared Prosperity,” runs from May 18 to 21.
The forum aims to foster global cooperation and promote actions in identifying current issues related to water management through integrated solutions.
Its focus areas include water conservation, clean water, food and energy security, and disaster mitigation.
-- BERNAMA
