KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- The El Nino phenomenon is expected to increase the risk of hot weather, potentially affecting river flows as well as water levels in dams and reservoirs. The impact of climate change is also expected to intensify extreme weather events, requiring greater preparedness to address rising water supply risks.
To strengthen national preparedness, water resource and supply management must be enhanced through the diversification of alternative water sources, including rainwater, groundwater, integrated water storage, riverbed infiltration and seawater desalination.
The approach is based on the concept of “capture, store and reuse”, which focuses on optimising the collection, storage and reuse of water from various sources to reduce reliance on conventional water resources. This will strengthen the resilience of the country’s water supply system in facing El Nino and climate change challenges.
In this regard, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), through the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), is intensifying research and development (R&D) on water technologies and innovations to support efforts to strengthen national water security.
Harnessing Rainwater as an Alternative Water Source
As a short-term strategy, NAHRIM is strengthening the “capture” component through Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SPAH) to increase the use of alternative water sources.
With Malaysia receiving an average annual rainfall of between 2,500 and 3,000 millimetres, SPAH should be expanded for non-potable uses such as cleaning, landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, premises maintenance and daily operations.
This approach can reduce dependence on treated water supply, particularly in areas facing water supply pressure due to rising demand and climate change.
SPAH implementation can also be enhanced through hybrid water supply systems that combine rainwater with other alternative sources, including groundwater, desalinated water, treated river water, lake or reservoir water, and recycled water, depending on local suitability.
This integration allows rainwater to become part of a more sustainable, flexible and resilient water supply system.
Developing Groundwater Potential
Under the “store” concept, NAHRIM is developing groundwater potential through controlled Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using rainwater and suitable alternative water sources in the Langat River Basin, Selangor. The approach enables excess rainwater during wet seasons to be stored in aquifers as strategic reserves for use during droughts or disruptions to surface water supply.
Research findings show that aquifers in the Langat River Basin contain more than 1.8 billion cubic metres of water, enhancing long-term water security. A MAR pilot study also found that artificial recharge could increase groundwater levels, reduce evaporation losses and improve resilience against climate-induced droughts.
To expand groundwater resource development, NAHRIM is conducting aquifer mapping using PinPoint 4D technology around Bukit Kuda Dam in the Federal Territory of Labuan.
The study includes geophysical investigations, water quality assessments, surface water-groundwater interaction modelling and evaluation of aquifer potential as an alternative water source. Its findings will provide scientific input and technical recommendations to the Government and water supply agencies at federal and state levels to strengthen water resource planning in addressing El Nino challenges.
Optimising Integrated Water Storage
For long-term strategies, NAHRIM is focusing on Integrated Water Storage (IWS) to optimise surface and groundwater storage. The approach integrates existing infrastructure such as flood retention ponds, artificial lakes, rainwater harvesting systems, river buffer storage, aquifers and MAR systems to maximise national water storage capacity.
The Malaysia IWS study is expected to produce a national framework, digital model (digital twin), potential storage maps, storage capacity analysis, assessment of untreated water resources and an IWS roadmap. The findings will support technical planning, identification of potential locations and the implementation of systematic, data-driven water storage management.
Initial implementation could focus on areas facing water security pressures, recurring floods, high demand and low storage margins.
The success of IWS will depend on close cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments, local authorities, water agencies, drainage agencies, operators and industry players.
Optimising Existing Water Infrastructure
As part of the IWS approach, Batu Flood Retention Pond is being studied as a pilot project to transform existing flood retention infrastructure into a dual-function system that reduces flood risks while providing an alternative water source.
The project is currently at the feasibility study and conceptual design stage to assess technical aspects, water quality, costs, operations and supporting infrastructure requirements. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, subject to study findings and approval.
Through the project, stored water at Batu Flood Retention Pond has the potential to be treated and reused to produce up to 10 million litres per day (10 MLD), with 5 MLD allocated for industrial use and another 5 MLD for domestic consumption.
The pond will continue to serve its flood mitigation function while optimising existing assets through smart technology and water quality monitoring.
If successful, the project could serve as a model for upgrading other flood retention ponds into multi-functional infrastructure supporting water security, flood mitigation and climate change adaptation.
Advancing Riverbed Infiltration Technology
To further diversify alternative water sources, NAHRIM is developing riverbed infiltration technology that utilises natural river geomorphological conditions to enhance groundwater storage through natural infiltration processes.
Through the PETRA-NAHRIM Riverbed Infiltration System Project (PETRAN-SIDS), in collaboration with the Water Supply Department (JBA), the technology is proposed for implementation in the Melaka River Basin, Langkawi and Kedah.
The project has the potential to produce between 30 and 45 MLD through aquifer recharge and direct infiltration from riverbeds.
Besides supporting water supply and flood mitigation, the technology could also become an eco-tourism attraction that contributes to the socio-economic development of local communities. The project is expected to be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Expanding Seawater Desalination Technology
Seawater desalination, which produces freshwater from seawater, provides an alternative source that is not dependent on rainfall or surface reservoirs.
The technology is among the key strategies to enhance water supply resilience amid climate change and El Nino risks. NAHRIM is implementing two programmes to support its development.
The first is the Seawater Desalination Suitability Study for Island Areas under 13MP from 2026 to 2028. Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman were selected to assess the potential of desalination technology as a resilient water supply option for areas without access to mainland water supply systems.
The findings will serve as the basis for future pilot projects, taking into account the needs of residents, industries and available funding.
The second programme involves the construction of seawater desalination plants to supply alternative water sources to ESSCOM security posts and surrounding areas, involving Karakit Security Post (Pulau Banggi), Pulau Berhala Security Post and Pulau Mabul Security Post in Sabah.
Approved under the 2026 Budget Initiative Programme, the project is expected to benefit about 700 users, including ESSCOM personnel and nearby residents, and is targeted to begin operations by December 2026.
Building National Water Resilience
Malaysia must strengthen water security through diverse alternative water sources, better utilisation of existing infrastructure, improved rainwater capture and storage capacity, and the adoption of safe water treatment and reuse technologies.
Through NAHRIM, PETRA is ensuring R&D outcomes are translated into solutions to address El Nino impacts and climate change challenges, with close cooperation among all stakeholders.
In line with the National Water Policy and the National Water Sector Transformation Roadmap (AIR 2040), water management will be implemented strategically across the entire chain - from source, catchment, storage and treatment to usage, to ensure sustainable, adaptive and resilient water security
-- BERNAMA