Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
SDG 6 Indicator
6.5 – Water in the community
6.5.3 – Off-Campus Water Conservation Support
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) demonstrates its unwavering commitment to off-campus water conservation support through innovative initiatives that empower local communities and promote sustainable practices, ensuring a secure and clean water future for all. By actively engaging in programs such as the establishment of tube wells, tree planting campaigns, and educational workshops, UKM not only addresses immediate water needs but also cultivates a culture of environmental stewardship among the younger generation. This proactive approach underscores UKM’s role as a leader in sustainable water management, inspiring collective action to preserve vital water resources and enhance the resilience of local ecosystems for future generations.
Summary of the off-campus water conservation support at UKM
| No | Off-campus water conservation support programs |
|---|---|
| 1 | UKM Collaborate to Provide Clean Water Supply to Lembah Bujang |
| 2 | Denai Sungai Langat Run 2024 (Langat River Trail Run 2024) |
| 3 | UMAS Water Awareness Program |
1. UKM Collaborate to Provide Clean Water Supply to Lembah Bujang
In 2024, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), through its Faculty of Science and Technology and the UKM Chancellor’s Foundation, collaborated with Takaful IKHLAS General Berhad to implement a clean water supply project in Lembah Bujang, Kedah. The initiative, valued at RM200,000, aimed to provide sustainable and alternative water sources to the local community. This project represents UKM’s second partnership with Takaful IKHLAS following a similar effort in Bachok, Kelantan in 2023. The project involved not only infrastructure development but also geological and geophysical research contributions from UKM’s experts in Geology and Geophysics, ensuring water systems were scientifically assessed and sustainable. Additionally, Takaful IKHLAS Barakah Hospital (IBH) and Takaful IKHLAS participants supported the project through zakat and community funds, contributing to long-term water resilience for rural residents. This off-campus initiative reflects UKM’s commitment to community-based water conservation, sustainable infrastructure, and equitable access to clean water, aligning strongly with SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
Source: www.ukm.my/beritaukm/ukm-bina-telaga-tiub-bantu-penduduk-merbok-dapatkan-sumber-air-alternatif
2. Denai Sungai Langat Run 2024 (Langat River Trail Run 2024)
The Denai Sungai Langat Run 2024 held on 7 October 2024 is a community-based running event organised by UKM Sports Centre collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education & Environmental NGOs (Friends of Rivers Malaysia) aimed at raising awareness about river conservation and environmental sustainability. As part of UKM’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water & Sanitation, this initiative highlights the importance of water resource protection, pollution control, and ecosystem preservation. The Larian Denai Sungai Langat 2024 included various activities designed to promote environmental responsibility while encouraging fitness and community involvement:
- Running Event (15 km & 5 km categories) – Participants ran along a designated eco-friendly route showcasing the beauty and significance of Sungai Langat’s ecosystem.
- Educational Booths on River Conservation – Stations were set up to provide information on water sustainability, waste management, and biodiversity conservation.
- Talks by Environmental Experts & Policymakers – Discussions on river pollution control, climate action, and policy advocacy.
- River Cleanup & Recycling Initiative – Encouraged participants to collect plastic waste and non-biodegradable materials along the running path.reness and commitment towards preserving Sungai Langat, a vital water source for the region.
3. UMAS Water Awareness Program
A group of Master of Business Administration (MBA) students from the UKM-Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, recently organized the Umas Water Awareness Program at Felda Gugusan Umas, Sabah. This one-day program aimed to gather residents’ opinions and feedback on water supply services while fostering good relationships with the local community through activities such as communal cooking, a coloring contest and a lucky draw.
Additionally, awareness sessions on water conservation and an educational visit to the water treatment plant at Felda Gugusan Umas were conducted, attracting the interest of local residents. The water supply issues, which have persisted for over 20 years, are due to the aging and inefficient water treatment plant, which struggles to meet the current water demands of the residents.
Therefore, the Umas Water Awareness Program, carried out by the UKM-GSB student group known as Rainer in strategic collaboration with FIC IPM a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) aimed to assess the need for improved water treatment facilities in the area.
The program also received support and cooperation from the Prime Minister’s Department (FELDA Regulatory Division), the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, RHB Banking Group, MSM Malaysia Holdings Berhad, Yayasan FELDA, and Hamburg University of Technology. With the theme “Sustainable Water, Thriving Community,” this social responsibility initiative successfully gathered nearly 1,000 residents of the Felda settlement.
Source: www.ukm.my/beritaukm/mahasiswa-ukm-gsb-jayakan-inisiatif-tanggungjawab-sosial-santuni-penduduk-felda
