DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called on Malaysia’s workforce to lead with honesty, determination and visionary thinking, underscoring that public and private sector workers form the backbone of the nation’s progress.
Speaking during the third Monthly Assembly of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) for 2025 at Dewan Baiduri, Menara PETRA, Fadillah remarked, “This gathering is not merely a routine, but a moment for reflection and renewal – a platform to continue advancing with integrity and commitment.”
Reflecting on this year’s Labour Day theme, “Pekerja Kesuma Bangsa” (Workers, Pillars of the Nation), he reiterated the central role played by Malaysia’s workforce in driving development, stressing the need to cultivate “proactive, innovative and forward-thinking mindsets” in every undertaking.
Fadillah also took the opportunity to express condolences on the passing of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, describing him as “a statesman of stature who left a lasting legacy in human capital development and the principles of Islam Hadhari.” He prayed for Allah’s blessings upon his soul.
Among the key matters addressed at the assembly was PETRA’s rapid response to the recent water supply disruption in Putra Heights, which Fadillah praised as an example of the ministry’s effectiveness. He also extended prayers for the wellbeing of Malaysian pilgrims, including PETRA official Zabir bin Sarip\@Shariff, who are currently performing the Hajj.
In conjunction with World Water Day 2025, themed “Glacier Preservation”, the Deputy Prime Minister urged responsible water consumption across all sectors. PETRA is also co-hosting the NEC-SSN meeting with the ASEAN Centre for Energy, facilitating strategic discussions on nuclear energy within the APAEC 2026–2030 framework.
He commended water operators for their success in reducing non-revenue water through the NRW Programme and acknowledged PETRA’s strengthening of international ties through official visits and engagements with countries including the United States, New Zealand, Palestine, Japan, Korea, Turkiye, the UK, and France.
Fadillah congratulated Ir. Mohamad Radzi on his appointment as the new Director-General of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and recognised 17 PETRA officers who received appointment letters from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM).
He also called on all PETRA staff to maintain their momentum in supporting national initiatives such as the recent MADANI Rakyat programme in Tawau, which ran from 9–11 May.
Fadillah highlighted the importance of sports and the PETRA Club in promoting camaraderie, health and values among staff, and reminded civil servants that, “Every effort we put in today is an investment in our nation’s future. Continue to stride forward with confidence, serve with sincerity, and be agents of change who bring real benefit to the people.”
