KOTA SAMARAHAN, 3 December: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Sarawak had signed a Memorandum Of Agreement (MoA) with a local company, Stoma Sdn Bhd to collaborate in the research and development of a Biological Treatment Plant (BTP) that can treat and improve the quality of water in rivers.
Rector of UiTM Sarawak, Professor Dato Dr Jamil Hamali together with Chief Executive Officer of Stoma Sdn Bhd, Firdaus Abdullah had signed the MoA at UiTM Samarahan 2, here today.
Both parties have also agreed to carry out collaborations through joint researches, staff and students exchange, as well as other related collaboration as set forth in the MoA with the objectives of this memorandum is to carry out, conduct and assess the findings and development of the process and methodology of Biological Treatment Plant (BTP).
BTP is a system that is proposed to bring improvement to the surface water quality using a biological treatment process and may be applied to improve the quality of water in rivers.
Professor Datuk Dr Jamil Hamali said, UiTM Sarawak and Stoma Sdn Bhd have collaborated to develop a system to treat surface water and he is confident that the initial projects in Sungai Bedil in Kuching will boost many more innovations of new water treatment systems.
“In addition, commercialization of products developed from these researches would not just benefit UiTM and Stoma Sdn Bhd but more importantly the water industry. The MoA also brings about advantages to students taking programs in related fields as they would have opportunities to be involved in water resources projects,” he said.
He said the memorandum not only strengthen the partnership between the two parties but would also benefit the community.
“Just to name a few; self-generated electricity system to produce drinking water treatment plant for rural and off-grid areas in Sarawak, wastewater treatment, re-generated sewerage system and palm oil mill wastewater discharge system are some of the projects which already in the pipeline,” he said.
According to Dr Jamil, hydrologists have warned that Malaysia would face a water crisis by 2025 and the water and sanitation agenda are also well-articulated under the 6th Goal of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals which is ensuring universal access to safe drinking water dan improved sanitation by 2030.
“The pandemic we are currently facing highlights the critical importance of water, sanitation, and adequate hygiene services. Adequate hygiene is the primary line of defence not only against the spread of Covid-19 but buat also water-borne and other diseases,” he added.
Jamil said, unfortunately, access to a safe water supply and safe sanitation has posed a challenge in Asia and the pacific and to address this issue, an integrated water management system must be present and given priority. – DayakDaily
