Enabling Change and Moving Forward
There is much that we have to achieve in managing our water resources . Pollution has been constantly the issue involving our rivers that are the main source of raw water . Over time , balancing between the economic benefits and environmental sustainability has become very marginal , and it calls for a transformation in river basin management . Learning from the gaps and experiences , the Federal Government has launched the Water Sector Transformation 2040 programme that aspires to transform the water sector from a supporting entity to a wealth creation entity . IRBM plans , developed with the inclusion of living things and their elements in mind , as well as economic and development needs while remaining environmentally conscious , will be a pillar in pragmatic planning and management , addressing all issues related to water resources . Meanwhile , the formula for a joint authority over a transboundary river basin continues to elude us .
The existing challenge for IRBM is that it is a tool that still requires constant practice in order to master . The playing field for IRBM is the meeting rooms where a potpourri of water issues from the scientific to the socio-economic are discussed , leading towards compromise and consensus . Pollution is evidently a common denominator since it originates from humans , propagates through the apathy of humans , and can be resolved by the combined efforts of humans . The elements of a solution to this perennial problem exist within the IRBM plans . IRBM plans must be owned by everyone with a role to play in development be it a private or public entity .
Many emerging programmes emphasise the local community and their commitment to preserving natural resources . A shift from total reliance on Government initiatives must happen for society to contribute more and eventually improve their living environment . This cultural transformation is heavily dependent on awareness and education . In the Twelfth Malaysia Plan , CEPA programmes have been included to achieve this transformation .
The construction of river trails promises to be a game-changer in river management . It would draw the eyes of the public to its beauty , thereby creating a sense of ownership and appreciation of its economic potential . Such values will be the indirect deterrent against pollution .
Using IRBM as a tool , empowering governance through inclusivity , and with educated and caring communities as the enablers , river conservation can be significantly enhanced . River pollution occurs when planning principles or mitigation systems fail , or when a would-be polluter acts upon his dire need for convenience . IRBM with its capacity to blend scientific and human thinking processes , can place all issues in their proper perspective and facilitate the resolution of conflicts . Everyone is part of a river basin , and the IRBM serves everyone . The living environment we desire in the future begins with how well we plan development in the river basin today .
REFERENCE
Air Selangor ( 2020 ), Henti Tugas Loji Rawatan Air Sungai Selangor Fasa 1 , 2 , 3 dan Rantau Panjang Berikutan Pencemaran Sumber Air Mentah [ Press release ]. 18 October .
ASM ( 2016 ). Transforming the Water Sector : National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan Strategies and Road Map . Academy of Sciences Malaysia .
ASM ( 2019 ). Lessons from Sungai Kim Kim , Pasir Gudang . Academy of Sciences Malaysia .
DID ( 2011 ). National Water Resources Study : Review of the National Water Resources ( 2000- 2050 ) and Formulation of National Water Resources Policy . Department of Irrigation and Drainage , Malaysia .
IEM ( 2021 ). Water Hazard & Security – IR4.0 Era . Jurutera , March 2021 . The Institution of Engineers Malaysia .
IEM ( 2020 ). Water Resources – Demand , Climate and Sustainability . Jurutera , March 2020 . The Institution of Engineers Malaysia .
Violette Geissen , Hans Mol , Erwin Klumpp , Günter Umlauf , Marti Nadal , Martine van der Ploeg , Sjoerd E . A . T . M . van de Zee , Coen J . Ritsema ( 2015 ). Emerging Pollutants in the Environment : A Challenge for Water Resources Management . International Soil and Water Conservation Research , 3 ( 1 ), pp 57-65 .
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