In September 2024, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) collaborated with the Environmental Technologies Export Initiative, the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC), and the German Water Partnership to bring German water technology leaders to Malaysia. The purpose of the visit was to highlight innovative solutions and explore potential collaborations with local operators in on the management of water supply and wastewater services in Malaysia.
This bilateral trip provided a valuable opportunity to incorporate advanced technologies and strategies that could significantly bolster Malaysia’s sustainability efforts. The delegation, made up of 11 German companies from the water supply and treatment industries, engaged in conference business-matching sessions, held roundtable discussions with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, and toured key facilities such as the National Water Services Commission, a water treatment plant operated by Pengurusan Air Selangor, and a sewage treatment facility run by Indah Water Konsortium.
The timing of this visit is crucial, as Malaysia’s water infrastructure is confronted with significant challenges. Between 2018 and 2022, the country experienced losses of around USD 1.7 billion due to water wastage. The perception of low water costs, coupled with rising climate-related pressures, has heightened the risk of a crisis, particularly due to outdated infrastructure and inconsistent water supply across various states. In alignment with the government’s Water Sector Transformation (WST) 2040 initiative, there is an urgent need for modern technology in Malaysia, such as smart water management systems, real-time monitoring solutions, and advanced treatment processes, to optimize water usage, enhance distribution efficiency, and ensure a sustainable water supply amid growing demand.
(Sources: Business Today; Bernama)
