6.5 – Water in the community

6.5.7 – Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is actively promoting conscious water usage beyond its campus by engaging and educating the wider community about the importance of water conservation. Through various outreach initiatives, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations, UKM aims to raise awareness about sustainable water management practices and encourage responsible usage among residents. Key strategies include organizing community workshops that provide practical tips on water-saving techniques, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems. UKM collaborates with schools, local governments, and NGOs to foster a collective commitment to water conservation, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts in addressing water scarcity issues. Additionally, UKM research and projects related to water management are shared with the community to demonstrate the university’s role as a leader in environmental stewardship. By integrating educational programs, hands-on activities, and community engagement, UKM is effectively promoting a culture of conscious water usage that empowers individuals and communities to take action toward sustainable water practices, ultimately contributing to the preservation of this vital resource for future generations. UKM promotes conscious water usage in the wider community through a variety of initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.

1. Educational Workshops and Seminars

UKM organizes workshops and seminars for local communities to educate them about the importance of water conservation. These sessions provide practical tips on reducing water usage, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, and adopting water-saving habits.

ALIR Training Course 2023

The ALIR Training Course 2023, organized by the Centre for Water Research and Analysis (ALIR) at UKM, presents a unique opportunity for professionals and students to deepen their understanding of water management and analysis through a series of hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions. Spanning from May to December 2023, the program features a diverse range of topics, including industrial effluent treatment systems, river water quality modeling, and advanced data analysis techniques, all aimed at equipping participants with the skills necessary to tackle pressing water issues. Led by distinguished researchers and professionals in the field, such as Prof. Madya Ir. Dr. Hassimi Abu Hasan and Ir. Dr. Zaki Zainuddin, each workshop not only provides theoretical knowledge but also practical insights into the latest methodologies in water assessment and treatment. Through these initiatives, UKM not only raises awareness about the significance of responsible water usage but also empowers individuals to take action within their communities. This commitment to education and community engagement demonstrates UKM’s leadership in advancing sustainable practices and underscores its dedication to safeguarding our precious water resources for future generations. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, UKM inspires a collective movement towards conscious water usage, reinforcing the critical importance of protecting our water ecosystems and ensuring water security for all.

2. Collaborative Community Projects:

The university collaborates with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations to implement projects focused on water conservation. These projects often include clean-up drives for local water bodies, rainwater harvesting initiatives, and sustainable landscaping practices.

UKM Collaborate to Builds 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. The recent inauguration of this project, led by Dato’ Rudy Rodzila Che Lamin, President and CEO of Takaful Ikhlas General Berhad, symbolizes a proactive partnership involving UKM, Takaful Ikhlas, and the Polytechnic, aimed at ensuring access to clean water for students and the surrounding residents. The program was officially launched on 14 September 2023.  In his address, Dato’ Rudy emphasized the importance of continuing collaborations between UKM Chancellor Foundation, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and Takaful Ikhlas to leverage skills and expertise for community benefit. Through this initiative, Politeknik Kota Bharu gains vital access to 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 Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Mohd Hariri Arifin highlights UKM commitment to disseminating knowledge and best practices across Kelantan and Malaysia, further reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in sustainable water management. This initiative not only addresses immediate water needs but also inspires a broader movement towards responsible water usage and conservation, showcasing UKM dedication to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.

ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE:

Climate Action Festival@UKM

The Climate Action Festival@UKM, held on January 10, 2023 at Dewan Canselori Tun Abdul Razak (DECTAR), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), is a landmark initiative designed to galvanize the community around the pressing issues of climate change and sustainability. The festival featured various programs, including the launch of the MyIKLIM Database—a comprehensive portal for climate change research in Malaysia—exhibitions, sustainability talks, workshops, recycling initiatives, and food truck services. With free admission and exciting programs, a vital resource aimed at enhancing understanding and response strategies to climate-related challenges. Attendees were invited to explore engaging exhibitions that showcased innovative solutions and practices for environmental conservation. Through sustainability pocket talks and hands-on workshops focused on sustainable living, participants gained practical insights into eco-friendly habits and strategies for reducing their carbon footprints. The festival also emphasized the importance of recycling, further encouraging community members to actively participate in preserving the environment. By bringing together students, faculty, and the wider community, UKM Climate Action Festival not only raises awareness about climate issues but also fosters a culture of sustainability and collective action towards a greener future, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in environmental education and advocacy.

The Climate Action Festival@UKM, organized by the UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability, took place on January 10, 2023, at Dewan Canselori Tun Abdul Razak (DECTAR), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). This event aimed to raise awareness and educate participants on climate change and sustainability. The festival featured various programs, including the launch of the MyIKLIM Database—a comprehensive portal for climate change research in Malaysia—exhibitions, sustainability talks, workshops, recycling initiatives, and food truck services. The event was open to the public, offering free admission and distributing goodie bags to attendees. Collaborations with organizations such as Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and ANGKASA enhanced the festival’s impact, promoting sustainable practices and community engagement.

3. Research and Knowledge Sharing

UKM engages in research related to water management and sustainability, sharing findings and best practices with the community. This knowledge transfer helps local residents understand the impact of their water usage and the benefits of adopting sustainable practices.

Research UKM

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.

The article emphasizes the significance of constructed wetlands in mitigating the impacts of climate change on water security and ecosystems. A systematic review of 38 articles from 2011 to 2020 analyzed their nature values and services, particularly focusing on carbon sequestration and water security. It highlights challenges due to a lack of interdisciplinary approaches and proposes an integrated classification of constructed wetlands’ services using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework. The study also explores the carbon-water nexus, detailing the interactions between engineered and natural processes. To fill existing gaps, a new framework is developed to showcase the role of constructed wetlands in regulating local climates and ensuring water security, advocating for a comprehensive approach that considers both instrumental and intrinsic values to improve decision-making in ecosystem services and conservation efforts for sustainable management.

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 

Seminar

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

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.