Kuching:Malaysia's water treatment plants currently discharge about 976.8 million liters of treated water daily and generate roughly 5,500 metric tonnes of water treatment residue each day. In response, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa is urging state water operators across the nation to implement a comprehensive zero waste management strategy.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jaseni emphasized the importance of recovering and reusing treated water and converting treatment residue into valuable products. This approach aims to reduce waste and enhance the sustainability of Malaysia's water services industry. He mentioned the potential of transforming waste into resources such as clay bricks, construction materials, cement-based products, and land reclamation materials.
At the Zero Waste Management 2.0 Conference 2026, Jaseni highlighted the successful resource recovery system at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant in Penang. This initiative demonstrates the feasibility of converting treatment residue into commercially beneficial products, reducing disposal costs, and mitigating environmental impacts while improving water reuse and operational efficiency.
To promote a nationwide transition, PAAB plans to champion zero waste management and Circular Economy practices in partnership with ministries, regulators, state governments, water operators, and other industry stakeholders. As the national water infrastructure financing entity, PAAB is prepared to offer financial support and project delivery for initiatives like treated water recycling systems and sludge dewatering facilities.
Jaseni outlined PAAB's objective to develop solutions that are environmentally sustainable, technically practical, and financially viable. By focusing on resource recovery, PAAB aims to reduce water losses, lower emissions from disposal, create economic opportunities, and secure Malaysia's long-term water supply.
The conference, part of the Green and Geopark Excellence Awards series, convened environmental advocates and leaders from both the public and private sectors in Kuching to discuss sustainable practices and zero-waste policies addressing climate change. PAAB, under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, remains committed to financing, developing, and managing water asset infrastructure to ensure the resilience and efficiency of Malaysia's water services industry.