By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, March 16: The upcoming proposal on harnessing rainwater will explore financial investment and comprehensive land-use planning to enhance Malaysia’s water resource management.
Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia experiences heavy rainfall, but much of it flows directly into the sea and is lost.
“Thus, we intend to store rainwater, not necessarily for drinking, but for livestock, agriculture, and other uses.
“This is a comprehensive plan that requires cooperation between the federal and state governments,” he said during the closing ceremony of Kem Ihya Ramadan 2025 at Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) in Telaga Air today.
He was responding to a reporter’s query on Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s directive for the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to submit proposals within two weeks on harnessing rainwater to mitigate water shortages during droughts and for future needs.
Fadillah said the proposal will focus on key aspects, including technical feasibility, environmental impact, and financial considerations.
On discussions with state governments, he clarified that the proposal is still at the policy level, with further engagements to take place once the Prime Minister provides guidelines.
Fadillah, who is also the PETRA Minister, explained that an existing initiative, Takungan Air Pinggiran Sungai (TAPS) or Off-River Storage, allows water to be stored before it enters rivers, ensuring a reserve for use during droughts.
He stressed the need for more reservoirs to capture rainwater, pointing out that while some exist in Kuala Lumpur and Sarawak, the current infrastructure remains insufficient.
According to him, these reservoirs would not only store water but also help prevent flooding by gradually releasing excess water into rivers.
He also highlighted innovative technologies used in other countries, where underground water storage systems are incorporated into buildings.
“By using stored rainwater for watering plants and other non-potable purposes, we can reduce reliance on treated water for drinking, bathing, and cooking. This promotes more efficient water usage,” he said.
Fadillah added that this initiative aligns with Malaysia’s National Water Policy 2040, which aims to enhance sustainable water management nationwide. — DayakDaily
