Kuala lumpur: The El Nino phenomenon is expected to increase the risk of hot weather, potentially affecting river flows as well as water levels in dams and reservoirs. The impact of climate change is also expected to intensify extreme weather events, requiring greater preparedness to address rising water supply risks.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, to strengthen national preparedness, water resource and supply management must be enhanced through the diversification of alternative water sources, including rainwater, groundwater, integrated water storage, riverbed infiltration and seawater desalination. The approach is based on the concept of 'capture, store and reuse', which focuses on optimising the collection, storage, and reuse of water from various sources to reduce reliance on conventional water resources. This will strengthen the resilience of the country's water supply system in facing El Nino and climate change challenges.
In this regard, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), through the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), is intensifying research and development (R and D) on water technologies and innovations to support efforts to strengthen national water security.
As a short-term strategy, NAHRIM is strengthening the 'capture' component through Rainwater Harvesting Systems (SPAH) to increase the use of alternative water sources. With Malaysia receiving an average annual rainfall of between 2,500 and 3,000 millimetres, SPAH should be expanded for non-potable uses such as cleaning, landscape irrigation, toilet flushing, premises maintenance and daily operations. This approach can reduce dependence on treated water supply, particularly in areas facing water supply pressure due to rising demand and climate change.
Under the 'store' concept, NAHRIM is developing groundwater potential through controlled Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using rainwater and suitable alternative water sources in the Langat River Basin, Selangor. The approach enables excess rainwater during wet seasons to be stored in aquifers as strategic reserves for use during droughts or disruptions to surface water supply. Research findings show that aquifers in the Langat River Basin contain more than 1.8 billion cubic metres of water, enhancing long-term water security.
For long-term strategies, NAHRIM is focusing on Integrated Water Storage (IWS) to optimise surface and groundwater storage. The approach integrates existing infrastructure such as flood retention ponds, artificial lakes, rainwater harvesting systems, river buffer storage, aquifers and MAR systems to maximise national water storage capacity. The success of IWS will depend on close cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments, local authorities, water agencies, drainage agencies, operators and industry players.
As part of the IWS approach, Batu Flood Retention Pond is being studied as a pilot project to transform existing flood retention infrastructure into a dual-function system that reduces flood risks while providing an alternative water source. Through the project, stored water at Batu Flood Retention Pond has the potential to be treated and reused to produce up to 10 million litres per day (10 MLD), with 5 MLD allocated for industrial use and another 5 MLD for domestic consumption.
To further diversify alternative water sources, NAHRIM is developing riverbed infiltration technology that utilises natural river geomorphological conditions to enhance groundwater storage through natural infiltration processes. Through the PETRA-NAHRIM Riverbed Infiltration System Project (PETRAN-SIDS), in collaboration with the Water Supply Department (JBA), the technology is proposed for implementation in the Melaka River Basin, Langkawi and Kedah.
Seawater desalination, which produces freshwater from seawater, provides an alternative source that is not dependent on rainfall or surface reservoirs. The technology is among the key strategies to enhance water supply resilience amid climate change and El Nino risks. NAHRIM is implementing two programmes to support its development. The first is the Seawater Desalination Suitability Study for Island Areas under 13MP from 2026 to 2028, with Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman selected as pilot locations.
Malaysia must strengthen water security through diverse alternative water sources, better utilisation of existing infrastructure, improved rainwater capture and storage capacity, and the adoption of safe water treatment and reuse technologies. Through NAHRIM, PETRA is ensuring R and D outcomes are translated into solutions to address El Nino impacts and climate change challenges, with close cooperation among all stakeholders.