6.5 – Water in the community

6.5.5 – Cooperation on water security

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively collaborates with local, regional, national, and global governments to address water security challenges. Through partnerships with various stakeholders, UKM contributes to the advancement of knowledge in water management practices, evidenced by its collaborative publications with other universities focusing on critical topics such as water security, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable water management strategies. This commitment not only underscores UKM’ role as a leader in water-related research but also reflects its dedication to fostering sustainable solutions for water resource challenges on multiple levels.

RESEARCH COLLABORATION

Title: The Integration of Nature Values and Services in The Nature-Based Solution Assessment Framework of Constructed Wetlands for Carbon-Water Nexus in Carbon Sequestration and Water Security.

Level: International
Researchers: 

Nurul’ Ain Jamion, Khai Ern Lee, Mazlin Mokhtar (UKM), Thian Lai Goh (UKM), Norbert Simon (UKM), Choo Ta Goh (UKM) and Irshad Ul Haq Bhat.

This article highlights the growing importance of constructed wetlands in addressing the impacts of climate change on water security, environmental health, and ecosystems. A systematic review was conducted from 2011 to 2020, analyzing 38 selected articles from Scopus and Web of Science to evaluate the nature values and services of constructed wetlands, focusing on carbon sequestration and water security as key services. The study identifies the challenges posed by a lack of interdisciplinary approaches and proposes an integrated classification of constructed wetlands’ services linked to their nature values, guided by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework. Additionally, it discusses the carbon-water nexus, conceptualizing the interactions between engineered and natural processes in the carbon and water cycles. To address identified gaps, a new framework is synthesized to highlight the role of constructed wetlands in regulating local climate and ensuring water security, emphasizing the need for an integrated approach that values both instrumental and intrinsic benefits. This framework aims to enhance decision-making for ecosystem services and conservation efforts, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management of constructed wetlands.

Source: The Integration of Nature Values and Services in The Nature-Based Solution Assessment Framework of Constructed Wetlands for Carbon-Water Nexus in Carbon Sequestration and Water Security

Title: Water Security and Cross-Border Water Management in the Kabul River Basin.
Level: International
Researchers: Ravichandran Moorthy (UKM) and Sumayya Bibi. 

This paper investigates the collaborative and benefit-sharing approaches to conflict management in the management of cross-border water resources for the sustainable development of the Kabul River Basin riparian states of Afghanistan and Pakistan. The study offers an understanding of water management strategies concerning peace, progress and development, and sustainability. Using an interpretative social science approach, this paper investigates the impacts of water scarcity and stress, hydro-politics, water diplomacy, and water issues among co-riparian countries. It also investigates how cross-border river management impacts river water sustainability and sustainable cross-border water management strategies. The paper finds that the most significant factor in resolving and managing cross-border water disputes is to employ a collective and combined method of water management based on cooperation and benefit-sharing. This is in addition to providing an immediate cost-effective benefit of improving water supply, hydroelectric generation, and agricultural production, as well as future communal and monetary benefits for the public who reside and work the river basin. The paper proposes establishing a combined cross-border basin authority for both Afghanistan and Pakistan in order to effectively realize the benefits of the Kabul River Basin.

Source: Water Security and Cross-Border Water Management in the Kabul River Basin 

Title: Rainwater Harvesting System (RWHS) for Buildings: A Mini Review on Guidelines and Potential As Alternative Water Supply in Malaysia.
Level: International
Researchers: Siti Fairuz Juiani , Chun Kiat Chang , Choe Peng Leo , Hui Weng Goh , Wei Lun Ang , Rania Fayiz Aburamadan  

Malaysia receives an abundance of rain annually (≈ 2400mm/year). The country, however, is not excused from water crises such as floods and water shortages. According to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) data, Malaysia water consumption in year 2021 is 201 LCD and may encounter a water shortage crisis if the situation is not improved in the future. Rainwater harvesting (RWHS) has great potential in tackling water shortages. It can also combat water scarcity holistically and reduce dependency on treated water from dam reservoirs. RWHS is a sustainable alternative to tackle water crises with minimal environmental impact. Currently RWHS is used for non-potable purposes like cleaning, toilet flushing, and irrigation. Due to the nature of the catchment area, there are several ways in which contaminants can enter the rainwater system and compromise the water quality. Elements such as topography, weather, and pollution sources, have a direct impact on the quality of rainwater that is collected and stored. In addition to the non-potable uses, RWH has been used for potable water in countries such as Australia and Bangladesh, but the total number of uses is still very small. For potable use, regular monitoring is required because it poses a health risk due to the presence of chemical, physical, and microbiological contaminants. If the water quality parameters meet the acceptable levels of water supply, harvested rainwater could be used for drinking purposes in many countries in the future. To ensure consistently good water quality, it is essential to establish standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules based on water safety plan approaches for both household and institutional users. This paper aims to review existing management guidelines and explore potential technologies for rainwater harvesting in buildings across Malaysia.

Source: Rainwater Harvesting System (RWHS) for Buildings: A Mini Review on Guidelines and Potential As Alternative Water Supply in Malaysia

SEMINAR

Title: Water Seminar: Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS)
Level: National

Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS), a Consortium of Research Excellence (KKP) in the water niche under the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) led by the Institute of Environment and Development (LESTARI), UKM and comprised of the Water Research Unit (WRU), University of Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Marine Research Station (MARES), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Perlis Branch, has successfully organized a Water Seminar with the Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP) on 28 June to 1 July 2024. This seminar was attended by stakeholders such as Malaysian Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), National Water Services Commission (SPAN), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), Peninsular and Sabah and FLAG, and discussed in depth issues of water quality, quantity and disasters.

ON-GOING RESEARCH PROJECT

Title: Penerokaan Governans Kelestarian bagi Mencapai Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDGs) Terhadap Sumber Air Bersih dan Bahan Mesra Persekitaran
Grant Name: Geran Persatuan Pengurusan Persekitaran Malaysia (EMS)
Level: National
Duration: 2023-2028 (Active)

Title: Elevating The Safety of Rainwater Harvesting Systems for Non-Potable Uses Through Interdisciplinary Training
Grant Name: The Royal Academy of Engineering 
Level: International
Sponsor: The Royal Academy of Engineering (International) 
Duration: 2022-2024 (Active)

Title: Efficiency of Panasonic`s Water Filtration Technology at the Household Level of Malaysia
Grant Name: Panasonic Corporation, Japan
Level: International
Sponsor: Panasonic Corporation, Japan (International)
Duration: 2023-2024 (Active)