1. UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has established water quality standards and discharge guidelines to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, as outlined in the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 which was developed in 2022 and had been reviewed in 2025. Under Sustainability Pillar 4: Sustainable Campus Objective 3: Optimizing the Use of Water and Reducing the Rate of Pollution, UKM commits to preventing water pollution by reducing existing pollutants and monitoring the quality of all water systems on campus. The plan also calls for the development of a university-wide policy on water use and conservation, ensuring all faculties, centers, and institutes adhere to water quality standards. Regular control, treatment, and monitoring of effluents are conducted to comply with national environmental regulations, particularly the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127). These measures ensure sustainable water management and safeguard environmental and public health, aligning UKM with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

• Policy Created: 2022
• Policy Review: 2025

UKM upholds stringent standards for water discharge compliance by aligning with the Sel. P.U. 19: The Regulations on Licensing of Discharge of Return Water, and Entry or Release of Waste and Pollutant Substances (State of Selangor) 2024, specifically adhering to Regulations 3, 5, 21, 22, and 25. Through these guidelines, UKM ensures all campus discharges are licensed and meet or exceed environmental quality standards. Regulation 3 mandates licensing for any discharge activity, while Regulation 5 imposes conditions and restrictions to prevent pollution. Regulations 21 and 22 enforce pollutant concentration limits and require thorough analysis to verify compliance with acceptable discharge parameters. Additionally, under Regulation 25, UKM implements immediate mitigation actions for accidental discharges to protect local water sources and ecosystem health, reflecting its dedication to sustainable water management and environmental protection.

2. Sel. P.U. 19: The Regulations on Licensing of Discharge of Return Water, and Entry or Release of Waste and Pollutant Substances (State of Selangor) 2024.

UKM implements the Sel. P.U. 19: The Regulations on Licensing of Discharge of Return Water, and Entry or Release of Waste and Pollutant Substances (State of Selangor) 2024., Volume 77 No. 25, established under the Enakmen Lembaga Urus Air Selangor 1999, to protect water resources in Selangor. Enacted on June 20, 2024, these regulations enhance water resource management through a comprehensive licensing framework that enforces strict standards for water quality and discharge control. UKM complies by ensuring that all discharges meet prescribed standards, adopting sustainable practices such as wastewater reuse and recycling, and conducting regular monitoring and reporting. This commitment aligns with the regulations’ goals of promoting sustainable water management, protecting public health, and preserving ecosystems.

These guidelines ensure regulated and environmentally responsible management of water resources, with specific standards for different types of discharges and stringent requirements for reporting, monitoring, and mitigating accidental pollutant releases.

1. Discharge Licensing Requirements: Individuals or entities must obtain a license before discharging return water or pollutants into water sources (Regulation 3, page 237)​. 
2. Standards and Parameters: The discharge of pollutants must adhere to specific standard limits (parameters like Nitrogen Ammonia, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, etc.) outlined in the Third Schedule, with distinct limits for different activities​ (Regulation 22, page 243).
3. Fees and Penalties: Annual license fees vary based on the nature of discharge and pollutants. Charges apply if pollutant levels exceed standard limits, calculated per kilogram over the standard. Non-compliance results in penalties, including fines or imprisonment ​(Fourth Schedule Regulation 21, page 243).
4. Monitoring and Compliance: License holders must conduct and report on quality monitoring every three months. Any accidents that might affect water quality must be immediately reported to authorities ​(Regulation 5, page 238).
5. Mitigation of Spills and Unauthorized Discharge: Licensees must take immediate measures in case of accidental discharge to mitigate environmental impact, including notifying relevant authorities ​(Regulation 25, page 244).

These guidelines ensure controlled water discharge and pollutant management, aiming to protect Selangor’s water resources and environment.