The “Symposium on Challenges and Opportunities in Water Security – Learning from the Johor River Basin Experience” was held at the Zenith Hotel in Putrajaya on 23 and 24 July 2024. It was co-organised by the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Water Security (IPASA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed). The symposium was held to conclude the Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF) Water Security and Sustainable Development Hub project, which will end in September 2024. The symposium aimed to share the findings of the research work conducted at the Johor River Basin to the related stakeholders including government agencies, industries, non-government organization (NGO), academicians and communities.
The symposium was officiated by Mejar (K) Dato’ Ir. Dr. Ahmad Anuar bin Othman, the Director General of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (JPS). Distinguish guests included Prof. Dr. Rosli bin Md. Illiyas, UTM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Mr. David Wallace, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia and Prof. Claire Wash, the Research and Collaboratory Lead for the Hub.
The first presentation was given by Prof. Walsh on the overview of the Hub’s work across India, Ethiopia, Colombia and Malaysia. Following her, Prof. Azmi Aris, the Co-Principal Investigator for the Malaysia Collaboratory, provided further context with an overview of the Johor River Basin Water Security Study and Dr. Zulfaqar Sa’adi, on ‘Climate Change and Hydrology: Ensuring Water Security for Integrated Johor River Basin Management’.
Professor Azmi opened the second day with his presentation on ‘Impacts of Land Use and Anthropogenic Activities on Johor River Quality’, followed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choong Weng Wai on ‘Enhancing Community Participation for a Socially Inclusive Johor River Basin’. Prof. Dr. Michaela Goodson of NUMed then presented ‘An Evaluation of Water Security Risks in and Around Kota Tinggi’, followed by Prof. Dr. Zainura Zainon Noor on ‘Understanding the Spatial and Institutional Network Transitions against Policies over Time in the Johor River Basin’. The final presentation was delivered virtually by Dr. Andres Toro from Universidad del Valle, Colombia entitled ‘Nature-Based Solutions: Towards a Socio-Technical Innovation for Water Security in Southwest Colombia’.
Three speakers from federal agencies were invited to present from the perspective of their organisations. They were Ir. Sazali Osman, from JPS, who gave a presentation entitled ‘An Approach of IWRM Implementation: The application of NAWABS in the River Basin Management’, Dato’ Seri Ir. Zaini Ujang, the Secretary-General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, on ‘Water Sustainability From Climate Policy to Green Culture’, and Ir. Mohd Zaki bin Mat Amin, the Director General of Malaysia’s National Water Research Institute (NAHRIM), on ‘Addressing Potential Risks of Water Stress and Climate Change-Related Exposure’.
The symposium concluded with a forum entitled ‘River Basin Management – Whole of Government and Whole of Society Approaches,’ moderated by Prof. Dr. Zulkifli Yusop. The panellists who shared their views are Ms. Haslina binti Amir, from the Selangor Waters Management Authority (LUAS), Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohmad Asari Daud, from Malaysian Water Association (MWA), Tn. Hj. Mansor Ghani, from Friends of Rivers Malaysia and Dato’ Ir. Dr. Hj. Md. Nasir bin Md Noh, from the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM).
Aside from the presentations, the symposium featured an extensive display of ongoing work by the Malaysia Collaboratory including posters, videos, and an interactive dashboard based on recent findings. The symposium also showcased the art gallery, displaying creative works by schoolchildren who participated in the Hub’s activities and the Hub’s merchandise. The symposium also featured a video presentation of highlights from the annual public speaking competition, demonstrating the Malaysian Collaboratory’s extensive efforts to raise awareness from an early age.
Overall, the symposium effectively emphasised the critical need for ongoing collaboration and innovation in addressing water security issues. It served as an important platform for exchanging knowledge, forming partnerships, and developing forward-thinking strategies. Using insights from the Johor River Basin experience, the event charted a clear path for addressing current and emerging water security issues at both the regional and national levels. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and providing practical solutions, the symposium not only met its objectives but also paved the way for long-term progress in water security.
