Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof has highlighted the significance of comprehensive, inclusive and evidence-based approaches to accelerate the implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
At the Malaysia Water Forum 2025, Fadillah, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said that demands for water will increase in the coming time as international corporations choose Malaysia as their manufacturing base. Besides, mounting pressure from climate change and industrial needs threatens to overwhelm water infrastructure that remains inadequate to cope with extreme and unpredictable weather phenomena.
He stated that without comprehensive and coordinated solutions, Malaysia may face the risk of clean water supply disruptions that could impact citizens' lives and the nation's economic development.
Under the comprehensive approach, water management must be implemented holistically, covering aspects such as supply, quality, irrigation, flooding, and ecosystem conservation.
The inclusive approach emphasises active participation from all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, civil society, education institutions, and grassroots communities.
Meanwhile, the evidence-based approach requires policy decisions and programme implementation to be guided by scientific data, impact studies, and clear performance indicators.
He said the forum served as a strategic platform that brings together thinkers, practitioners, and leaders from various water-related sectors to strengthen and enhance the nation’s water governance and management.
Despite Malaysia's progressive policies, including the National Water Resources Policy in 2012 and the National Water Policy 2024, Fadillah acknowledged persistent implementation challenges such as limited enforcement capacity, inadequate coordination between agencies, and insufficient funding and infrastructure./.
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