Water Management Strengthened Through Technological Adoption - Abdul Rahman

PUTRAJAYA, April 28 (Bernama) -- Water management in the country has been further strengthened through the use of modern technology, enabling more accurate decision-making and forecasting, said Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.

In his opening address at the Mechanical and Electrical on Water Symposium (MEWS) 2026 here today, he said modern technologies include machine learning, artificial intelligence and smart monitoring systems.

“Through the integration of digital technology and real-time data analysis, information from various sensors such as water level, flow rate, pump performance and equipment condition can be comprehensively analysed.

“This capability allows for more accurate predictions to be made, thus supporting quicker and more effective operational decisions,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said the adoption of this technology is in line with the aspirations of the Water Sector Transformation Roadmap 2040 (AIR 2040), which emphasises infrastructure modernisation, the use of smart technology and the strengthening of innovation in the country’s water sector.

“In this context, engineers and technical officers play an important role not only in operational aspects, but also as the frontline in ensuring that the system remains efficient, stable and safe.

“More broadly, expertise in the mechanical and electrical fields also plays a role in strengthening the resilience of the country’s water system in facing challenges such as climate change, disaster risks and the demands of rapid development,” he said.

Abdul Rahman said the success of technological transformation in the water sector hinges not only on systems and equipment, but also on human capital with the necessary knowledge, skills and integrity.

“Engineers, academics and industry practitioners play an important role in ensuring that water infrastructure remains ready to face any challenges,” he said.

Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman said the conventional approach, which relies too heavily on manual operations and reactive responses after disasters, is no longer sufficient in dealing with current water management challenges.

“In several previous flood incidents, the use of mobile pumps has played a very important role in helping to speed up the process of removing water from affected areas.

“The ability to deploy these pumps to flood hotspot locations within a short time has helped to reduce pressure on the existing drainage system and speed up the disaster recovery process in affected areas,” he said.

Abdul Rahman expressed hope that the symposium would serve as a catalyst for new ideas, research and the development of more innovative and competitive technologies.

MEWS 2026, themed “Current to Creation: The Evolution of Hydromechanics”, brought together engineering experts, academics and industry players in hydromechanical and electrical technology in the country’s water sector.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) said in a statement that it, together with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, would continue to strengthen various initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the country’s water sector.

This is especially in efforts to empower the latest technology and innovation, in line with the Malaysia MADANI concept, which emphasises sustainability, well-being and care for the needs of the people.

--BERNAMA