6.5 – Water in the Community

6.5.3 – Off-Campus Water Conservation Support

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) demonstrates its unwavering commitment to off-campus water conservation support through innovative initiatives that empower local communities and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a secure and clean water future for all. By actively engaging in programs such as the establishment of tube wells, tree planting campaigns, and educational workshops, UKM not only addresses immediate water needs but also cultivates a culture of environmental stewardship among the younger generation. This proactive approach underscores UKM’s role as a leader in sustainable water management, inspiring collective action to preserve vital water resources and enhance the resilience of local ecosystems for future generations.

UKM Collaborate to Build Tube Wells

UKM is making significant strides in promoting conscious water usage in the wider community through its collaborative initiative to establish tube wells at Politeknik Kota Bharu, Kelantan a vital part of its off-campus water conservation support efforts. The program was officially launched on 14 September 2023. The recent inauguration of this project, led by Dato’ Rudy Rodzila Che Lamin, President and CEO of Takaful Ikhlas General Berhad, exemplifies a proactive partnership involving UKM, Takaful Ikhlas, and the Polytechnic, all aimed at ensuring access to clean water for students and surrounding residents. In his address, Dato’ Rudy emphasised the importance of ongoing collaborations between the UKM Chancellor Foundation, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and Takaful Ikhlas to leverage skills and expertise for the benefit of the community. This initiative provides Politeknik Kota Bharu with a sustainable water source, fostering a healthier environment and enhancing the quality of life for its students and the local population. Additionally, the technology-sharing session conducted by Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Hariri Arifin highlights UKM commitment to disseminating knowledge and best practices across Kelantan and Malaysia, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in sustainable water management. By addressing immediate water needs and inspiring a broader movement towards responsible water usage and conservation, this initiative showcases UKM’s dedication to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

Larian Denai 2023

The Larian Denai 2023 Program at Sungai Langat nearby at UKM has gone beyond a traditional running event, serving as a lively celebration of health, community spirit, and environmental awareness while actively supporting water conservation initiatives off-campus. The event was held on 23 September 2023 at the UKM Campus. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation, this event provides valuable educational opportunities for local communities to learn about effective water management practices. Participants, whether seasoned runners or casual walkers, not only engage in a healthier lifestyle but also contribute to UKM commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement. By promoting the importance of water conservation through such activities, Larian Denai fosters a deeper understanding of the critical role that clean water plays in our daily lives and the environment. The event encourages individuals to appreciate the beauty of nature while reinforcing a shared vision of wellness and sustainability, ultimately inspiring collective action towards preserving vital water resources in the region. Through these efforts, UKM demonstrates its dedication to empowering communities and promoting responsible water usage, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, environment, and social responsibility.

Program Green Camp for Youth @ Tasik Chini Unesco Biosphere Reserve

UKM plays a significant role in research and conservation efforts at Tasik Chini through its Pusat Penyelidikan Tasik Chini (PPTC), also known as the Tasik Chini Research Center. Established to promote research activities related to the lake’s biodiversity and ecosystem, PPTC collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure the sustainable development and preservation of this vital natural resource. The “Green Camp for Youth @ Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Siri 3” program serves as a vital initiative by UKM to empower local school students as Young Science Leaders while promoting off-campus water conservation support. Held at the Tasik Chini Research Centre from November 17-19, 2023, this program engaged 40 students from four primary schools, providing them with hands-on opportunities to participate in environmental preservation activities. Sponsored by the UNESCO National Commission of Malaysia (SKUM) and the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), the camp focused on raising environmental awareness, teaching participants about the importance of maintaining clean waterways through practical activities like river clean-up initiatives. Students were introduced to the concept of zero waste, learning how to reduce single-use plastics and manage waste responsibly, which encourages a culture of sustainability. Furthermore, the camp fostered creative problem-solving skills, enabling students to develop innovative solutions to environmental challenges, including water pollution. By highlighting local cultural values and their connection to sustainable practices, the program reinforced students’ understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to environmental stewardship. Ultimately, the Green Camp not only educates young individuals about water conservation but also inspires a sense of responsibility and community engagement that will resonate for generations to come.

Hari Denai Alam Program

The Hari Denai Alam Program, themed “Melestarikan Alam,” was officially launched by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), YB. Tuan Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, at Denai Alur Ilmu, UKM. This significant event saw the participation of esteemed guests, including YBhg. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kassim, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) of UKM, and other prominent figures from various organizations dedicated to environmental conservation. The program is organised by UKM in collaboration with Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA), the Institute of Climate Change (IPI), the UKM-YSD Sustainability Chair, UNIKEB Cooperative Berhad, Friends of Rivers Malaysia (FORM), and the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science and Technology (TBB FST-UKM). This initiative serves as a vital part of UKM’s off-campus water conservation support efforts, focusing on activities such as tree planting of various species and cleaning the Denai Alur Ilmu area, which involved over 100 volunteers from the local community. Through these collective actions, UKM demonstrates its commitment to enhancing environmental sustainability and fostering community engagement in water conservation practices, reinforcing the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

Research Project

Author: Ang Wei Lun
Title: Elevating The Safety Of Rainwater Harvesting Systems For Non-Potable Uses Through Interdisciplinary Training 
Sponsor: The Royal Academy of Engineering
Sponsor Category:  International
Grant Name: The Royal Academy of Engineering