6.5 – Water in the community

6.5.7 – Promoting conscious water usage in the wider community

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is actively promoting conscious water usage beyond its campus by engaging and educating the wider community about the importance of water conservation. Through various outreach initiatives, workshops, and partnerships with local organizations, UKM aims to raise awareness about sustainable water management practices and encourage responsible usage among residents. Key strategies include organizing community workshops that provide practical tips on water-saving techniques, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and implementing rainwater harvesting systems. UKM collaborates with schools, local governments, and NGOs to foster a collective commitment to water conservation, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts in addressing water scarcity issues. Additionally, UKM research and projects related to water management are shared with the community to demonstrate the university’s role as a leader in environmental stewardship. By integrating educational programs, hands-on activities, and community engagement, UKM is effectively promoting a culture of conscious water usage that empowers individuals and communities to take action toward sustainable water practices, ultimately contributing to the preservation of this vital resource for future generations. UKM promotes conscious water usage in the wider community through a variety of initiatives aimed at raising awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.

Summary of the water usage in the programs to wider community

No	Water usage in the programs to wider community
1	Educational Course On Analysis And Interpretation Of Water Quality Data Using Chemometric Method
2	UKM Community Projects Collaborate to Provide Clean Water Supply to Lembah Bujang
3	Water Scientist Program (Mystia): Clean Water, Healthy Generation
4	Water Seminar: Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS)
5	Research and Knowledge Sharing

Water usage in the programs to wider community

UKM organizes workshops and seminars for local communities to educate them about the importance of water conservation and water quality analysis.

1. Educational Course On Analysis And Interpretation Of Water Quality Data Using Chemometric Method

The Analysis and Interpretation of Water Quality Data Using Chemometric Method Course, organized by the Centre for Water Research and Analysis (ALIR), UKM on 20th June 2024, is a dynamic program designed to empower professionals and students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in water analysis. Through hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions, participants gain valuable insights into modern chemometric techniques that enhance decision-making in sustainable water management and contribute to the preservation and responsible use of one of our most vital natural resources.

2. UKM Community Projects 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. 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) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

Source: www.ukm.my/beritaukm/ukm-bina-telaga-tiub-bantu-penduduk-merbok-dapatkan-sumber-air-alternatif

3. Water Scientist Program (Mystia): Clean Water, Healthy Generation

The Water Scientist Program (MySTIA): Clean Water, Healthy Generation program is a community service initiative program held on 24 September 2024 as a as a national -level initiative that organized by the Research Centre for Sustainable Process Technology (CESPRO), in collaboration with the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, UKM and community of Sekolah Kebangsaan Desa Putra. The program aims  to share knowledge and expertise on the importance of river conservation and water treatment, particularly with school students. The program also provides a platform for students to enhance their awareness of the significance of river and water conservation. The implementation of such programs helps unite and expand ideas on the importance of rivers, fostering a lasting sense of responsibility and care for their preservation. Besides, to enhance students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through water treatment technology.

Source: www.facebook.com/share/p/17WqxQe5TV

4. Water Seminar: Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS)

Water Seminar: The Integrated Water Research Synergy Consortium (IWaReS), a Research Excellence Consortium on water awarded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), is led byInstitute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) UKM, with Water Research Unit (WRU) USM and Marine Research Station (MARES) UiTM Perlis Branch as satellite members. Committed to advancing SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, IWaReS successfully organised a Seminar on Water from 28 June to 1 July 2024, in collaboration with the Malaysian Water Partnership (MyWP). The seminar featured distinguished experts discussing key topics, such as Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM), Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), Integrated Flood Management (IFM) and water-related disasters. The event was attended by stakeholders from PETRA, LUAS, JPS Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, SPAN and FLAG, and concluded with a roundtable discussion on future water governance strategies.

Source: www.ukm.my/lestari/news/seminar-air-iwares

5. Research and Knowledge Sharing

UKM engages in research related to water management and sustainability, sharing findings and best practices with the community. This knowledge transfer helps local residents understand the impact of their water usage and the benefits of adopting sustainable practices.

Title: An In-depth Review of the Critical Water Analysis Parameter and Water Quality Management Technology in Cage Aquaculture within Malaysian Coastal Regions

Cage fish farming in Malaysia’s coastal areas plays a vital role in supporting local food security and livelihoods. However, challenges such as disease outbreaks, pollution, and environmental degradation threaten its sustainability. This project aims to identify and define the critical water quality parameters most relevant to cage aquaculture in Malaysian coastal regions and to evaluate modern technologies that can enhance water quality monitoring. Results show that identifying precise water quality indicators allows for more effective and targeted monitoring strategies tailored to local environmental conditions. By adopting advanced water analysis technologies and clearly defining critical parameters, Malaysia’s aquaculture industry can achieve more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible fish farming practices, ultimately improving fish health and production outcomes.

Source: www.ukm.my/jkukm/wp-content/uploads/2024/3603/03.pdf