Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) to submit proposals within two weeks on harnessing rainwater to mitigate water shortages during droughts. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, said the directive was issued during the Prime Minister’s meeting with PETRA’s top management today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah conveyed that the Prime Minister is concerned about the paradox of the country experiencing droughts despite receiving abundant rainfall. The Prime Minister has tasked PETRA with exploring methods to store excess rainwater for use during dry periods and for future needs. Fadillah shared these insights with reporters after attending the Ihya Ramadan programme, which was also attended by Anwar.
When asked about the feasibility of the two-week deadline, Fadillah indicated that studies and proposals on the matter had already been conducted, and they are in the process of compiling them for submission. He stressed the importance of state-level cooperation, regardless of the approach taken, to ensure successful implementation of the projects.
Fadillah also mentioned that the Prime Minister instructed the ministry to ensure that any planned initiatives guarantee sufficient water and energy supply for the nation. The Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to ensuring that every citizen has access to affordable water and energy.
The meeting further delved into accelerating critical projects, including flood mitigation efforts, by addressing delays, particularly those involving state governments and land-related issues. Fadillah highlighted that the Prime Minister also raised energy-related concerns, directing PETRA to address challenges faced by the public and businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The Prime Minister stressed that any tariff adjustments should consider the financial burden on the public and MSMEs to prevent additional hardship.