THE Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s water sector through innovation, advanced technology and sustainable operations, in line with the Water Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040).
The ministry emphasised today that the integration of high-impact technological solutions and improved operational efficiency is essential to ensuring national resilience, particularly in addressing increasingly complex water-related challenges.
This commitment was underscored at the Mechanical and Electrical on Water Symposium 2026 (MEWS 2026), held in Putrajaya, which brought together engineers, academics and industry players specialising in hydromechanical and electrical water technologies.
The symposium was officiated by Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad, representing Deputy Prime Minister II and PETRA Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Under the theme “Current to Creation: The Evolution of Hydromechanics”, the symposium highlighted the shift towards a more modern, intelligent and integrated approach to water management systems.
PETRA said hydromechanical and electrical systems such as pumps, water control gates and hydrological instrumentation are now central to shaping a more efficient, responsive and resilient national water infrastructure.
The ministry noted that the sector is moving away from manual operational methods towards a digital ecosystem driven by automation, real-time data and integrated systems.
This transition is seen as crucial to improving operational efficiency and strengthening preparedness against increasingly severe water-related disasters.
A key focus of the transformation is the adoption of smart technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning and intelligent monitoring systems, enabling real-time data analysis across multiple water infrastructure points.
These systems allow data from sensors measuring water levels, flow rates and equipment performance to be processed more effectively, supporting faster and more accurate operational decisions.
PETRA said such integration also strengthens collaboration among stakeholders in developing innovative, sustainable and high-impact solutions for national water resource management.
In facing global climate change challenges, PETRA and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia continue to advance initiatives aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the water sector, particularly through technology adoption and innovation aligned with the Malaysia MADANI framework, which emphasises sustainability, well-being and inclusivity. - April 28, 2026
