MALAYSIA observed World Water Day 2025 with a bold reaffirmation of its commitment to water security, announcing the rollout of 38 water infrastructure projects in Pahang worth RM5.9 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12).
The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), which oversees national water policy, said the federal government has allocated RM504.2 million for these initiatives in 2025 through the Fifth Rolling Plan (RP5), in a bid to improve access to clean water and enhance service reliability.
“The government is serious in its mission to ensure clean, sustainable water supply for all Malaysians,” the Ministry said. “This investment reflects our determination to fortify water resilience and public welfare in a rapidly changing climate.”
The National-level celebration of World Water Day (Hari Air Sedunia, HAS) was officiated at Dataran Sayangi Kuantan by Pahang State Executive Councillor Dato’ Mohamad Nizar bin Mohamad Najib, representing the Chief Minister.
Also, in attendance was PETRA’s Deputy Secretary-General (Water), Dato’ Mohd Rodzwan Mohd Baba Sakri.
Drawing more than 2,000 visitors over two days (4–5 July), the event showcased exhibitions by public and private agencies, including the unveiling of the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (Pelan Hala Tuju Transformasi Air 2040, or AIR 2040)—a strategic framework guiding the nation’s water governance over the next two decades.
PETRA also presented national awards recognising research and innovation in the water sector, including the Water Sector Development Award and the Ecohydrology Research Award to internationally recognised academics and institutions.
Adopting the international theme of ‘Glacier Preservation’ alongside the national message *Air untuk Kehidupan* (“Water for Life”) and the slogan ‘AirKU, HidupKU, DuniaKU’ (“My Water, My Life, My World”), this year’s observance stressed both the urgency and universality of sustainable water stewardship.
“Water infrastructure development must go hand in hand with public education and civic engagement,” the Ministry noted in a statement on Saturday, describing the event as a “national advocacy platform” uniting stakeholders from students to the private sector in reinforcing collective responsibility for water conservation.
In alignment with the principles of the Malaysia MADANI framework, PETRA underscored that the ongoing efforts aim to accelerate high-impact water projects, ensure long-term supply sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for all Malaysians in an inclusive and environmentally conscious manner. - July 5, 2025
