Malaysian Water Association

Malaysian Water Association (MWA) 22nd Annual General Meeting

The Malaysian Water Association (MWA) has successfully held its 22^nd Annual General Meeting on Saturday 24 April 2010 at the Bukit Kemuning Golf and Country Resort, Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan.

The President of MWA, Mr Ahmad Zahdi Bin Jamil in his opening remarks and had touched on the progress, key milestones achieved and future direction of the organization. Several matters were addressed by the President such as the progress of renovation works at the MWA office, Young Water Professionals Program, courtesy visit to the Chief Minister of Sarawak in conjunction with the Water Safety Conference to be held in Kuching on 2^nd to 4^th November 2010.

The President had also elaborated on the setup of the Malaysian Water Academy (MyWA) where emphasize will be given first to a virtual setting of the academy and the collaboration with the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) especially in terms of facilities for the academy. The President had informed the meeting that MWA is targeting towards making MyWa a full fledge academy unswering to the capacity needs of the water industry.

The AGM proceed with the presentation of reports from the Hon. Secretary General, Mr. Mohamad Hairi bin Basri and Hon. Auditor General, Ir. Kho Lip Khiong. The Hon. Secretary General reported on the MWA activities for the year 2009 progress as well moving forward initiatives such as training programs and conferences. On the other hand, the Hon. Auditor General had reported on MWA accounts for the year 2009.

In summary, the AGM had been a successful platform for its members in exchanging views, opinions and ideas on the direction of the association in future. In view of this, MWA will continue to strengthen its effort in spearheading the water industry in Malaysia. MWA is also looking forward for a more productive year in 2010 with stores of activities in hand as well as consolidating its position in the industry. MWA also expressed intention to continue to collaborate with the government in all areas and assist in development of the industry.

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Establishment of Malaysian Water Academy

MWA inks MOU for the establishment of Water Academy Malaysia (MyWA)

Kuala Lumpur, 7th April 2010 – The Malaysian Water Association (MWA), represented by its President Ahmad Zahdi Jamil, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd, Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and PBA Resources Sdn Bhd on the establishment of Malaysia’s first water academy. The event took place at the Opening Ceremony of Asia Water Exhibition 2010 held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The ceremony was witnessed by YB Dato’ Sri Peter Chin Fah Kui, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia.

The Academy’s role is to be a centre of knowledge and excellence for the development of human capital and technology enhancement in the water and wastewater industry. MWA will form collaborative partnerships with water industry players, be it water operators, regulators, designers, contractors, experts from academia or institutions of higher learning to meet these three objectives:

To provide Institutional Support for Government Initiatives towards development of quality workforce for global competitiveness / liberalization of the water industry;
To provide integrated and accredited education & training for all stakeholders across the public & private divide of the water & wastewater sectors;
To provide strategic platform for Collaborative Research and Innovations between Academia & Industry, Local & Foreign experts.

According to Ahmad Zahdi, “MWA has always been a staunch supporter of the Government’s National Water Services Industry Restructuring Initiative, and by establishing the Academy we hope to produce skilled and qualified workforce and also for Malaysia to become the regional water hub for capacity development”. Ultimately, he mentions, all these will translate into an overall improvement in water services for consumers.

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IWA DEWATS 2010

MWA brought its 12 delegation to IWA Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Solutions in Developing Countries (DEWATS 2010) from 23 to 25 March 2010 in Surabaya, Indonesia.

Organised by the International Water Association (IWA) and Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) and supported by the Indonesiaon National Development Agency (BAPPENAS), the Conference aims to bring together top wastewater and sanitation experts, governments, utilities and international agencies to share and discuss their expertise, knowledge and experiences on decentralized wastewater treatment solutions.

It is designed very much for practitioners with emphasis on applications and casestudies on applied decentralized systems, with ample time dedicated for discussions and interactions amongst delegates to share experiences and lessons learnt.

Technical Tour to 1st IWA Development Congress, Mexico

MWA Organised Technical Tour to 1st IWA Development Congress, Mexico, 13-21 November 2009

The congress focussed on smart solutions for financing and infrastructure, utility management, institutional development, regulations and policy. The event aims to share practical knowledge and know-how on water and sanitation to foster greater learning amongst peers, and to provide a solid platform on which delivery of water and sanitation services for all citizens can be achieved.

MWA never fails to show its support and participation by sending Malaysia delegation to IWA events. Particularly for this 1st Development Congress, MWA intentionally hoped to get some pointers and have a first-hand experience on how the congress being conducted as to prepare for the 2nd IWA Development Congress to be held in 2011 in Kuala Lumpur.

Through MWA, a total of 22 strong Malaysia delegation namely from KeTTHA, SPAN, Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad, KPMG, Hatimuda Sdn Bhd, SMHB Sdn Bhd, Ranhill Utilities Berhad, Premier Amalgamated and GHD Perunding Sdn Bhd attended the congress headed by MWA President.

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WWMD 2009 Miri

WWMD 2009 MIRI : Play role to keep water sources clean: Chin
By Jacqueline Raphael
MIRI: All citizens must play their role in keeping water sources clean so that the cost of treating water for human consumption can be reduced.
Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui made this call yesterday, saying no matter where they live, the people should always work together to ensure all water sources are well taken care of
“This is important, whether you are in a big city, in a remote area or are using tube wells. Water is going to be a problem because the whole world is going to be facing problems of (getting) clean water.

“If our water sources are too dirty, the cost to treat them for human consumption will be very high and this cost will be passed on to consumers,” he said.

Chin said this to reporters after officiating at the Miri River Cleaning Campaign to mark World Water Monitoring Day at Kampung Pengkalan in Lutong yesterday.
Also present were Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Miri Mayor Lawrence Lai, Drainage and Irrigation Department engineer Law Wee, Chin’s political secretary Sebastian Ting and Malaysia Water Association (WMA) executive director Shaharis Saad.
On the campaign, Chin said a total of RM30,000 had been allocated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to clean the Miri River.
“This is why we carry out this river cleaning campaign. We want the people to know that wherever they stay, they must not pollute the river or the water source,” he stressed.
Ting said the people should take issues concerning the cleanliness of rivers and water resources seriously as the impact on the environment was significant and unpredictable.
“We hope the allocation for the cleaning of our rivers will continue to pour in from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment so that our objective to have cleaner rivers and water sources can be reached,” he added.
The river cleaning campaign was organised by the Miri Parliamentary Area Environment Partners Committee, whose members comprise of representatives from various government departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“The main objective of the cleaning campaign today is to give total awareness to our people to have a clean river. It is also to ensure that our people have a positive attitude and not to dump any waste into the river as well as have a positive attitude and sense of belonging towards our Miri River,” said Lai, who is also organising chairman.
During the event, RM15,000 was presented to 12 school environment clubs.
After the launching ceremony, participants of the campaign boarded boats provided by the organiser and cruised down Miri River equipped with garbage bags to collect rubbish dumped into the river.

IWA to open a new hub

IWA to open a new hub serving the Danube and Black Sea region

The International Water Association (IWA) together with the Romanian Water Association has announced the opening of a new office to be based in Bucharest, Romania, aimed at serving IWA members and stakeholders in the region of the Danube and Black Sea. The office will be operational from November 2009. The office will serve as the hub for coordinating IWA’s knowledge exchange and programmatic activities including regional participation in IWA’s Specialist Groups, scientific and speciality conferences, capacity development and training (including Water Operator Partnerships), and
furthering key IWA programmes such as Water Safety Plans and Young Water Professionals.

“Our main goal is to support the maturing water sector in the Danube and Black Sea region. IWA complements the important and ongoing work of national associations, providing water professionals with the ability to draw on leading experts from the international community and international best practices in a variety of areas. Our office in Bucharest will allow us to better deliver these very important functions”, said Mr Paul Reiter, IWA Executive Director.

The decision to move forward with the IWA regional office in Bucharest follows from a multi-year consultation process with regional water professionals culminating in meeting at the IWA World Water Congress in Vienna in 2008, where it was clear that the time was right. “The sector faces some great challenges, for example, there is a need to improve utility efficiency and implement water safety plans and EU regulations. IWA provides a critically important vehicle for tapping into the international discussion and learning from peers across the globe, said Mr Vasile Ciomos, President of the Romanian Water Association

News By : The International Water Association (Media release)

Forum on Water Future : Academia & Industry

On 29 September 2009, located at The Grand Millennium Hotel, MWA together with UK Trade Investment organized a forum for leaders and decision makers in water and wastewater industry in the country. The one day forum on Water Future; Academia & Industry attracted more than 100 participants from various sectors.

The event brings together UK and Malaysian leaders and Technical specialists in the water industry to discuss the challenges of water asset management and share their experience. The forum began with presentations from leading global organisations before the floor was opened for a question and answer session with an extensive panel that include high profile researchers from leading UK universities.

One to one session was specially arranged in the afternoon for leaders to create networking and for those who are interested to get to know more about UK Trade & Investment that supports companies in the UK doing business Internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK.

Among the contents of the event were :

Seminar on Management of the Water Industry
Forum with a chaired panel of industry experts
Dedicated time for Business 1:1’s
Research & Development Workshop

Date: 29th September 2009.
Venue: The Grand Millennium Hotel

News By : MWA Secretariat

Youngest-ever VC appointed

Source : The Star Online
Date : Tuesday September 30, 2008
Title : Youngest-ever VC appointed
By SIMRIT KAUR

PETALING JAYA: Prof Datuk Dr Zaini Ujang (pic) has been appointed Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) vice-chancellor effective tomorrow for a three-year term.
Prof Zaini, 43, who currently holds the post of UTM deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation is believed to be the youngest person to head a Malaysian public university.

“I thank the Government for being bold enough to appoint a relatively young person to the post of VC.
“I will aim to improve the standard of higher education and implement the National Higher Education Strategic Plan,” he told The Star.

Prof Zainis appointment was recommended by a selection committee headed by United Nations University-International Institute for Global Health director and former Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia VC Tan Sri Dr Mohamed Salleh Mohamed Yasin.

He replaces Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd Zulkifli Mohd Ghazali who has held the post of UTM VC since December 2000.
Prof Zaini is well-known as a professional environmental engineer and for his research on water quality.
He was born in Johol, Negri Sembilan, and received his first degree in chemical engineering from UTM and has two masters degrees from UTM and the University of Newcastle.

Prof Zaini received his PhD in environmental engineering from Newcastle.
He started his academic career in UTM in 1988 and was appointed a commissioner to the newly formed National Commission on Water Services in February last year. He is also the Malaysian Water Association deputy president.
Prof Zaini also served as special officer to then Education Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak from 1997 to 1998 and was involved in higher education policy matters, particularly the corporatisation of public universities.
UTM, which is based in Skudai, Johor, made its debut in the Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings last year and was placed 415.

MWA collaborates on World Water Monitoring Day 2008

MWA collaborated with utilities companies and water supply organizations in the World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) activities held from October 21st to November 5th, 2008. WWMD is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.

This year, WWMD was organized in 5 states - Pahang on October 21st , Kedah (October 26th), Negeri Sembilan (October 29th), Melaka (November 4th) and Johor (November 13th).

This national event kicked off in Pahang where it was launched by YBhg. Datuk Mohd Soffi Tan Sri Razak, Pahang State Executive Council for Basic Amenities, Transport and Housing. 120 students from five schools in Pahang participated in WWMD. The schools were SK Sg. Lembing, SK Sg. Mas, SK Nadak, SKJ (C) Sg. Lembing and SKJ (C) Panching. The children performed tests for dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity (clarity) and temperature on the water collected from Sungai Pahang.

The second leg of WWMD was held in Kedah where 40 students from SK Khir Johari collected and tested water sample from Sungai Petani. In Negeri Sembilan, 40 students from SK Ampangan took part in the event. In Melaka, WWMD was held at Dataran Pahlawan where 40 students from SK Bandar Hilir participated.

The final leg of WWMD was held in Kota Tinggi Johor where the closing ceremony was done by Y.B. Tan Kok Hong, Chairman, Johor International Trade and Industry, Energy, Water and Communications, and Environment Committee. 120 students from 5 schools took part in WWMD and the schools were SRJKC New Kota, SRK Sri Saujana, SRK Bukit Lintang, SRK Tamil Jalan Tajul and SK Taman Suria.

To accomplish the water testing, facilitators from participating organizations i.e. Ranhill Utilities, Pahang Waterworks Department, Salcon, Kedah Waterworks Department and Malacca Water Company were on-hand to help test the waters and to explain to the students the level of the water quality based on the results collected.

These primary school children will be joining thousands of volunteers across the globe to sample water quality and reports its findings to a website coordinated by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA) accessible at www.worldwatermonitoringday.org.

While engaged in this annual event, students can learn more about the water body; how water body contribute to the whole eco-systems and how, by protecting it, humankind can continuously enjoy quality supply of water.

MWA collaborated with Ranhill Utilities to organize WWMD in Pahang, Kedah, Melaka and Johor, and with Salcon in Negeri Sembilan.

The MWA 21st AGM

Date: 24th April 2009.
Time: 9.30am - 2.00pm
Venue: Tropicana Golf & Country Resort
            Ballroom 1, First Floor
            Jalan Kelab Tropicana,
           Petaling Jaya, Selangor

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