Fadillah: Comprehensive, Inclusive And Evidence-based Approach To Accelerate IWRM

PUTRAJAYA, July 22 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said three key approaches - comprehensive, inclusive and evidence-based - have been outlined to accelerate the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in a more systematic and effective manner.

He said that under a comprehensive approach, water management must be implemented holistically, covering aspects such as supply, quality, irrigation, flooding, and ecosystem conservation.

Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, added that the inclusive approach emphasises active participation from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, educational institutions, and grassroots communities, which he described as crucial.

“The 2025 National-level World Water Day celebration, which brought together various segments of society - from students and religious leaders to civil servants and the private sector - on a national advocacy platform, is an example of this inclusive approach,” he said.

Speaking at the opening of the Malaysia Water Forum 2025 here today, Fadillah said that the evidence-based approach requires policy decisions and programme implementation to be guided by scientific data, impact studies, and clear performance indicators.

He said the holistic implementation of IWRM still faces several constraints, including inter-agency coordination issues, limited financial resources, as well as a lack of awareness and technical capacity that need to be improved to ensure change at all levels.

“Among the important initiatives implemented since the early 1990s is the establishment of the Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP) in 1993, which serves as a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration in promoting IWRM,” he added.

“Other initiatives include the establishment of the Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (LUAS) in 1999 as a model for state-level water governance, as well as the formulation of the National Water Resources Policy 2012 and, subsequently, the National Water Policy 2024 as the main policy framework for integrated water resource management,” he said.

IWRM is a crucial approach to ensuring that the nation’s water resources are managed sustainably, comprehensively, and inclusively, while balancing the needs of various sectors, including domestic use, industry, agriculture, and the environment.

The implementation of IWRM ensures a clean water supply, supports economic growth, reduces disaster risks, and improves equitable access to water and sanitation.

Regarding today’s forum, he said the Malaysia Water Forum 2025 serves as a strategic platform that brings together thinkers, practitioners, and leaders from various water-related sectors to strengthen and enhance the nation’s water governance and management.

He said the forum’s main objective is to assess and discuss challenges, while exploring new opportunities and solutions in water resource management in the country.

“Focus will be given to issues such as water distribution imbalances, pollution, as well as the need for early warning systems and more resilient groundwater management.

“In addition, this forum also aims to strengthen cooperation between the public, private, academic, and community sectors, in line with the World Water Forum's call for water diplomacy and multi-stakeholder governance to be strengthened,” he said.

-- BERNAMA