THE Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), through the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s water security by harnessing scientific innovation and technology.
Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said, in a statement today, the ministry emphasised that strategic initiatives will focus on solving critical water issues to ensure the welfare of Malaysians, in alignment with the 2040 Water Sector Transformation Agenda (AIR2040) and under the implementation of high-impact research projects within the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).
Addressing persistent flooding challenges, PETRA has established the Malaysian Flood Forensic Team (FORBiM) since late 2025, applying a scientific, data-driven approach to identify the root causes of flood events, assess existing infrastructure capacity, and implement more innovative mitigation strategies, including improved monitoring and maintenance.
The Kuala Lumpur branch of FORBiM is currently conducting forensic investigations using empirical data to enhance flood management systems.
Additional strategies involve the use of riverbed storage, nature-based solutions, and multifunctional retention ponds.
Locally developed products, such as the PETRAN Automatic Flood Barrier Wall and PETRAN Mobile Flood Retention Wall, are also being deployed to mitigate flood impacts on communities.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA)Minister, said in order to ensure resilience in future water supply, PETRA and NAHRIM are actively exploring alternative water sources to reduce reliance on rivers vulnerable to pollution and drought.
Measures include upgrading multifunctional retention ponds, deepening riverbed storage, and conducting nationwide groundwater mapping.
Research efforts such as the PETRAN-SIDS project in the Melaka River Basin, Langkawi, Kedah, integrate water supply, flood mitigation, and eco-tourism potential.
Desalination and seawater treatment technologies are also being developed, with a focus on remote islands and marginalised communities.
NAHRIM’s treated rainwater products, PETRAN RAINDROPS and CLOUDRAIN, are now ready for commercial distribution.
Advanced monitoring technologies are being employed to protect water quality from urban, industrial, and domestic pollution, including emerging contaminants and microplastics that are difficult to detect with conventional methods.
NAHRIM’s Water Quality Laboratory, recognised as a Forensic Water Pollution Laboratory, is equipped with analytical instruments capable of measuring up to 200 parameters, including genomic sequencing of microbiological contaminants.
Artificial intelligence and big data are being used for real-time water resource monitoring through the locally developed AIR3S (Artificial Intelligence of River Rating Ranking for Safety, Suitability and Sustainability) system, enabling rapid enforcement and mitigation before pollution becomes critical.
Additional innovations include PETRAN Water Quality Devices, PETRAN Water Reserve Indicators, natural river sediment control products, and riverbank protection solutions.
In response to coastal erosion and rising sea levels, NAHRIM has launched Coastal Forensics research to evaluate the effectiveness of shoreline protection and sea overflow mitigation.
Locally developed solutions aim to stabilise coastlines, reinforce protective structures, and maintain natural sediment transport.
The Hydraulic and Instrumentation Laboratory (MHI) at NAHRIM applies physical modelling to recommend optimised design solutions prior to actual construction, ensuring structural safety and cost efficiency.
Looking ahead, PETRA has initiated the establishment of a National Water Hub to integrate research, innovation, and development of water resources, positioning Malaysia as a regional centre of excellence by 2040.
With NAHRIM as the executing agency, this collaboration combines technical expertise and research infrastructure to tackle the country’s water management challenges.
PETRA and NAHRIM remain dedicated to advancing evidence-based research to drive water innovation under the AIR2040 framework.
“Through our ongoing commitment and scientific research, we aim to empower water innovation and ensure the welfare of the nation.
This strategic approach demonstrates Malaysia’s dedication to becoming a regional hub for water management and research,” Fadillah added. - March 29, 2026
