A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia Volume 2

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 73Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper25 Surface water 57 Sustainable and 89 Sustainable water supply hydrology integrated watershed management in rural areas management 90 Terrestrial atmospheric26 Technologies for 58 Technologies for pollution and water qualitycontrolling and monitoring, controllingmonitoring non-point and removing diffuse 91 Water and sanitationsource pollution and point source hygiene in rural areas pollution 92 Water quality Information27 The adaptation of 59 Urban hydrology management and modelling urban water supply to climate change 93 Water security challenges and mitigation measures28 Water demand 60 Water footprint projection and 94 Waterborne pathogens and forecasting microbial risks29 Water quality 61 Water resource 95 Wetland modelling modelling assessment and accounting30 Water supply and 62 Water supply and demand for industry demand for livestock and agriculture31 Water-energy-food 63 Water-use efficiency security nexus32 Wetlands and lakes 64 Zero discharge restoration technology4.2.1 SC-1 Survey Data Analysis on the preference weights calculated from the surveyA total of 22 responses were analysed, and from that responses. An example of survey results is shownpriority ranking of sub-topics in each category of Water in Table 4.3. More results on SC-1 data analysis areR&D was developed. The priority ranking is based presented in Appendix B.

74 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperTABLE 4.3 PREFERENCE WEIGHTS AND PRIORITY RANKING OF SUB-TOPICS IN SECTION 1 (WATER RESOURCES AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT) OF SC-1 QUESTIONNAIRESection-1 (Priority Listing) Preference weights (%) RankClimate change and hydrologic 26.7 1cycleTerrestrial atmospheric pollution 26.5 2and water qualityCoastal erosions 26.2 3Integrated coastal zone 25.1 4managementCoastal habitat management 24.4 5Coastal ecology 24.4 5Climate change and rainfall 23.8 6modellingHydrometeorology 23.0 7Risk assessment 22.6 8Environmental and indigenous 21.9 9people related issuesWetlands and lakes restoration 21.4 10Sustainable and integrated 21.3 11watershed managementMarine biodiversity, conservation 21.3 11and managementMarine pollution 21.1 12Impacts of climate variability on 20.4 13wetlands ecosystemPolicy and legislative issues 20.2 14Impacts of climate change, 20.0 15increased population andchanging human demographics on 20.0 15watersheds 19.9 16Dam modelling constructionProtected conservation areas in 19.8 17marine environment 19.6 18Fresh water ecology 19.5 19Eutrophication 19.3 20Marine ecologyPublic participation in watershed 19.1 21managementSocial and environmental costs of 19.1 21watershed degradation 18.8 22Advanced dam technologyWetland modelling

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 18.3 75Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper 17.9 23 Seawater and sediment chemistry 17.2 24 Conservation and preservation of water resources 17.2 25 Catchment/river basin management 16.5 25 Integrated water resources 16.4 management 26 Electromechanical equipment 16.0 27 Water resource assessment and accounting 15.4 28 Alternative water resources 11.0 (ground water, rainwater 10.8 29 harvesting, etc.) 10.6 30 Storm water management 10.4 31 Flood management and mitigation 10.2 32 Environmental water requirements 10.1 33 Erosion and sedimentation 9.9 34 River rehabilitation 9.3 35 Urban hydrology 9.1 36 Surface water hydrology 8.7 37 Rural hydrology 38 Groundwater hydrology 39 Ecohydrology River morphology

76 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper4.2.2 Rating Scale Problem in SC-1 Questionnaire water research field. For example, rating 5 to the mostAs mentioned earlier, we used a rating scale of 1-5 important Water R&D field and 1 to the least important(5 for the most important Water R&D field and 1 Water R&D field. However, the survey participantsfor the least important Water R&D field). However, assigned higher ratings to almost all Water R&D fields,ratings 5 and 4 were dominating in the survey and which indicate that all Water R&D fields presented inthis was not our purpose to apply rating in the the questionnaire were most important to the majoritysurvey questionnaire. We assumed that the survey of the participants and which should not be practicallyparticipants will assign uniform rating to different sub- valid. An example of improper use of rating scale istopics according to their importance within that topic of given in Figure 4.2.Figure 4.2 An Example of Improper Utilisation of the Rating Scale. Based on the findings of SC-1 results, we removed 4.2.3 Expert Opinion Survey Data Analysisthe rating scale from the second questionnaire which The same questionnaire was used in the expertwas used in an expert opinion survey. We asked water opinion survey with a change in rating scale only.experts to choose any three sub-topics in a particular In this survey the experts were asked to choosecategory of Water R&D field, and assigned them any three most import Water R&D fields and assignnumbers 1, 2, & 3 where 1 carries more weightage numbers 1, 2, and 3. The sub-topic assigned withthan 2 and 3. Similarly, 2 carries more weightage than number 1 by an expert is considered to be the most3. important sub-topic within a Water R&D category.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 77Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperCompared to SC-1 survey results, the expert 42.22% of preference weight was calculated for theopinion survey data analysis produced stable sets of most important sub-topic of ‘Water Resources andpreference weights which can be trusted and used Watershed Management’ category of Water R&D. Anwith great confident in future studies. For example, example of priority ranking of sub-topics in Section 1a very low preference weightage (0%) was given to of the questionnaire (Water Resources and Watershedthe least important sub-topic in ‘Water Resources and Management) is given in Table 4.4. More expertWatershed Management’ category of Water R&D, and survey results are given in Appendix C.TABLE 4.4: PREFERENCE WEIGHTS AND PRIORITY RANKING OF SUB-TOPICS IN SECTION 1 (WATERRESOURCES AND WATERSHED MANAGEMENT) OF THE EXPERT OPINION SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRESection-1: Water Resources and Preference weights RankWatershed Management (%) 42.22 1Integrated coastal zonemanagement 38.33 2Sustainable and integratedwatershed management 35.83 3Risk assessment 34.44 4Terrestrial atmospheric pollutionand water quality 33.33 5Environmental and indigenouspeople related issues 31.67 6Wetlands and lakes restoration 30.00 7Climate change and hydrologiccycle 30.00 7Integrated water resourcesmanagement 30.00 7Marine biodiversity, conservationand management 30.00 7Marine pollution 29.17 8Fresh water ecology 26.67 9Climate change and rainfallmodelling 25.56 10Coastal erosions 23.33 11Protected conservation areas inmarine environment 22.00 12Conservation and preservation ofwater resources 21.67 13Impacts of climate variability onwetlands ecosystem 20.00 14Social and environmental costs ofwatershed degradation 19.17 15Policy and legislative issues

78 18.33 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 17.50 Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper Advanced dam technology 17.33 Eutrophication 16 Water resource assessment and 17.04 17 accounting 16.67 18 Environmental water requirements 16.67 River rehabilitation 19 Catchment/river basin 16.67 20 management 16.30 20 Coastal ecology 16.30 Erosion and sedimentation 15.56 20 Surface water hydrology 14.17 21 Coastal habitat management 21 Impacts of climate change, 13.33 22 increased population and 11.67 23 changing human demographics on 11.33 watersheds 24 Flood management and mitigation 9.17 25 Marine ecology 8.89 26 Alternative water resources 8.33 (ground water, rainwater 27 harvesting, etc.) 7.04 28 Dam modelling construction 6.67 29 Hydrometeorology 5.00 Public participation in watershed 3.33 30 management 3.33 31 Ecohydrology 3.33 32 River morphology 2.67 33 Seawater and sediment chemistry 0.00 33 Groundwater hydrology 0.00 33 Urban hydrology 34 Electromechanical equipment 35 Storm water management 35 Rural hydrology Wetland modelling

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 79Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper4.2.4 Aggregate Preferences Weights and Priority important Water R&D field for government investmentRanking of Water R&D Sub-topics and research. Conversely, sub-topic ‘river morphology’In order to get generic sets of preferences weights of was the least important Water R&D field to the bothsub-topics within a Water R&D category, preference groups of survey participants as it has been givenweights obtained from both surveys (SC-1 and 8.7% of the aggregate preference weight. AggregateExpert Opinion) were aggregated. The aggregate preference weights (shown in second last row andpreference weights are more stable than the SC-1 last column of Table 4.5) provide higher range ofand Expert Opinion survey weights if they were preference weights (range of preference weights isconsidered separately. An example of aggregate equal to maximum preference weights within a Waterpreference weights of sub-topics in Water R&D is R&D category minus minimum preference weightsgiven in Table 4.5 where sub-topic ‘integrated coastal of that particular Water R&D category) which canzone management’ was given 67.4% of the aggregate be interpreted as stable sets of preference weights.preference weights and considered to be the most Aggregate preference weights calculated for all five categories of Water R&D are given in Appendix D.TABLE 4.5 AGGREGATE PREFERENCE WEIGHTS OF WATER R&D FIELDSSub-topics of Preference weights Preference weights Aggregate Preference“Water Resources from SC-1 Survey (%) from Expert Survey (%) weights (%)and WatershedManagement” 25.1 42.2 67.4Integrated coastal zone 26.5 34.4 60.9managementTerrestrial atmospheric 21.3 38.3 59.7pollution and waterquality 22.6 35.8 58.4Sustainable and 26.7 30 56.7integrated watershedmanagement 21.9 33.3 55.2Risk assessmentClimate change and 21.4 31.7 53.1hydrologic cycleEnvironmental and 26.2 25.6 51.7indigenous people 21.3 30 51.3related issuesWetlands and lakes 21.1 30 51.1restoration 23.8 26.7 50.4Coastal erosionsMarine biodiversity,conservation andmanagementMarine pollutionClimate change andrainfall modelling

80 19.8 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 17.2 Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper Fresh water ecology 19.9 Integrated water 29.2 49.0 resources management 20.4 30 47.2 Protected conservation 23.3 43.2 areas in marine 24.4 environment 24.4 21.7 42.1 Impacts of climate 17.9 variability on wetlands 16.7 41.0 ecosystem 20.2 15.6 39.9 Coastal ecology 19.1 22 39.9 Coastal habitat management 19.1 19.2 39.4 Conservation and 19.6 20 39.1 preservation of water 20 resources 18.3 37.4 Policy and legislative 17.2 17.5 37.1 issues 16.4 14.2 34.2 Social and environmental costs of watershed 23 16.7 33.8 degradation 19.5 17.3 33.8 Advanced dam 20 technology 10.8 8.9 31.9 Eutrophication 19.3 11.7 31.2 Impacts of climate 16 9.2 29.2 change, increased 17 27.8 population and changing 8.3 27.6 human demographics on 11.3 27.3 watersheds Catchment/river basin management Water resource assessment and accounting Hydrometeorology Marine ecology Dam modelling construction Environmental water requirements Public participation in watershed management Alternative water resources (ground water, rainwater harvesting, etc.)

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 81Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper 27.0River rehabilitation 10.4 16.7 26.9Erosion and 10.6 16.3sedimentation 26.4Surface water hydrology 10.1 16.3 24.3Flood management and 11 13.3mitigation 23.3Seawater and sediment 18.3 5chemistry 19.8Electromechanical 16.5 3.3equipment 18.8Wetland modelling 18.8 0 18.1Storm water 15.4 2.7management 16.1Ecohydrology 9.1 7 13.5Urban hydrology 10.2 3.3 12.6Groundwater hydrology 9.3 3.3 9.9Rural hydrology 9.9 0 8.7River morphology 8.7 0 67.4Maximum 26.7 42.2 36.2Average 18.2 18.0 8.7Minimum 8.7 0.0 58.6Max. Difference (Range) 18.0 42.2

82 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperFigure 4.3. Aggregate preference weights of Water R&D fields in Section 1 (Water Resources and Watershed Management)4.2.5 Comparison between SC-1 and Expert We believe that higher the difference between theOpinion Surveys Results highest preference weight and the lowest preferenceThe survey data analysis for both surveys reveals that weight is better and generates more stable weightsthe water experts assigned larger preference weights compare to lower range in preference weights. Thisto almost all sub-topics of Water R&D fields compare flexibility of preference weights in SC-1 was not visibleto SC-1 survey participants. For example, the top most and that could make very confused to decision makersimportant sub-topic in ‘water resources and watershed and water managers for applying these findings inmanagement’ category of Water R&D was given real-world water problem solutions. A comparison of42.2% of preference weightage by the water experts, preference weights obtained from SC-1 survey dataand ironically, in contrast, the least important sub- analysis and the expert survey data analysis aretopic in the same Water R&D category was given zero plotted in Figures 4.4 to 4.8.preference weights. Conversely, the participants of thestakeholder consultation workshop assigned 25.1% ofpreference weights to the most important sub-topic in‘water resources and watershed management’ WaterR&D category and 8.7% preference weights to theleast important sub-topic in this Water R&D category.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 83Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperFigures 4.4. Comparison of preference weights for SC-1 and Expert Surveys (Section 1)Figures 4.5. Comparison of preference weights for SC-1 and Expert Surveys (Section 2)

84 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper Figure 4.6 Comparison of preference weights for SC-1 and Expert Surveys (Section 3) Figure 4.7 Comparison of preference weights for SC-1 and Expert Surveys (Section 4)

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 85Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperFigure 4.8 Comparison of preference weights for SC-1 and Expert Surveys (Section 5)4.3 Listing of Water R&D Topics participants. Therefore, from the expert opinion surveyThis is imperative to declare that two different formats questionnaire, we changed the questionnaire format.of questionnaire were distributed in SC1 and Expert In this questionnaire, we assigned different sub-topicsOpinion surveys. In the SC1 format, the questionnaire for each Water R&D field. A total of 97 sub-topics werewas consisted of five sections separate for each distributed into five sections. Here, we used rankingmajor field of Water R&D. In this format, the survey scale but the water experts were asked to selectparticipants were asked to show their preferences only 3 sub-topics which they assume that are moston ranking scale on the sub-topics of Water R&D of important within a specific Water R&D (1 for mostthe each section. The analysis of survey data shows important, 2 for second most important, and 3 for thirdthat ranking scale was not properly utilised by the most important sub-topic of Water R&D). Below are the five sections along with list of sub-topics presented to the water experts in the survey:

86 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperSection I: Water Resources & Watershed 25. Conservation and preservation of water resourcesManagement 26. Impacts of climate change, increased population1. Surface water hydrology2. Rural hydrology and changing human demographics on3. Urban hydrology watersheds4. Erosion and sedimentation 27. Public participation in watershed management5. Flood management and mitigation 28. Social and environmental costs of watershed6. Ecohydrology degradation7. Groundwater hydrology 29. Sustainable and integrated watershed8. Environmental water requirements management9. River morphology 30. Policy and legislative issues10. River rehabilitation 31. Eutrophication11. Environmental and indigenous people related 32. Fresh water ecology 33. Impacts of climate variability on wetlands issues ecosystem12. Electromechanical equipment 34. Wetland modelling13. Advanced dam technology 35. Wetlands and lakes restoration14. Risk assessment 36. Integrated coastal zone management15. Dam modelling construction 37. Coastal erosions16. Hydrometeorology 38. Coastal habitat management17. Climate change and hydrologic cycle 39. Coastal ecology18. Climate change and rainfall modelling 40. Protected conservation areas in marine19. Terrestrial atmospheric pollution and water quality environment20. Water resource assessment and accounting 41. Seawater and sediment chemistry21. Alternative water resources (ground water, rain 42. Marine pollution 43. Marine ecology water harvesting, etc.) 44. Marine biodiversity, conservation and22. Catchment/river basin management management23. Storm water management24. Integrated water resource management

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 87Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperSection 2: Water Supply and Demand 6. Drainage, water logging and salinity control1. Water-use efficiency 7. Environmental effects of nutrients carried in2. Water supply and demand for industry3. Water supply and demand for livestock and drainage discharge 8. Development of best drainage design and agriculture4. Sustainable water supply management in rural practices that enable crops to use shallow groundwater efficiently, while reducing the use of areas agricultural chemicals and reduce flood flow5. Balancing water supply versus demand 9. Drainage, and waterlogging and salinity control6. Water footprint 10. D\rainage for ecosystem and conservation7. Assessment of freshwater withdrawal Section 4: Sanitation, Wastewater Treatment and8. Water demand projection and forecasting Environmental Issues9. Consumer and corporate water footprint 1. Water and sanitation hygiene in rural areas 2. Environmental and social impacts assessment 3. Decentralised sanitation system10. Assessment of water use and availability 4. Integrated urban water management11. Water quality modelling 5. Alternative unconventional urban sanitation12. Drinking water quality standards systems13. Ground water quality 6. Low carbon and energy efficient treatment system14. Advanced water treatment process 7. Nutrients removal and management15. Water quality Information management and 8. Phytoremediation/Bioremediation technology 9. Zero discharge technology modelling 10. Advanced and innovative technology for industrial16. Technologies for controlling and monitoring non- wastewater treatment 11. Public awareness and participation in water point source pollution resources conservation17. Drinking water quality versus public health 12. Policy and legislative instrumentsSection 3: Irrigation and Drainage 13. Salt/sea water intrusion1. Improved and innovative irrigation technology (for 14. Waterborne pathogens and microbial risks 15. Environmental impacts assessment of effluent water use reduction) discharge to environment2. Quality waters and wastewater reuse for irrigation 16. Technologies for monitoring, controlling and3. Impacts of irrigation on environmental and health removing diffuse and point source pollution4. Micro drainage system for small scale farming5. Rainwater harvesting for irrigation purpose

88 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper17. Newly emerging water pollutants III. The use of remote sensing and GIS inSection 5: Water and Climate Change the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.1. Climate change and aquatic invasive species 2. Terrestrial atmospheric pollution and water quality2. Modelling climate-related water resource stressors I. Critical levels of atmospheric pollution in forest3. Water security challenges and mitigation and lake ecosystems measures II. Impacts of future air pollution mitigation4. The adaptation of urban water supply to climate strategies change5. Environmental flow versus climate change issue III. Terrestrial and oceanic influence on spatial6. Policy and legislative instruments hydrochemistry and trophic status in7. Energy and water efficient cities/township subtropical marine near-shore waters8. Water-energy-food nexus9. Carbon footprint of water and wastewater 3. Sustainable and integrated watershed management I. Determination of environmental flow for treatment system important river basin In assigning research titles to the specific sub- II. Development of integrated watershed topics of Water R&D, it was important to select management schemes for an intensively only few sub-topics which were deemed to be urbanized region in Malaysia important to the experts and SC1 participants. For that, the project team agreed to select 50% of III. An index-based robust decision making the sub-topics of Water R&D and assign research framework for watershed management in a titles matching with the Malaysian environment changing climate and need of immediate research and exploration. The task of assigning titles to the sub-topics by the 4. Risk assessment individuals was distributed according to their field I. Development of 21st Century Water Risk of research and expertise. Below are specific titles Management for each sub-topics within each section of Water II. Risk Management of Water Resources in R&D. Malaysia in the Face of Climate ChangeSection 1: Water Resources and WatershedManagement III. Risk Assessment of Public Drinking Water1. Integrated coastal zone management Source AreasI. Biological indicators and their role in integrated coastal management.II. Hydrological and oceanographic considerations for integrated coastal zone management.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 89Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperA 5. Climate change and hydrologic cycle 9. Marine biodiversity, conservation and management I. Management strategies to conserve marine I. imulations of the martian hydrologic cycle with biodiversity. a general circulation model II. Connectivity, biodiversity conservation and the design of marine reserve networks for coral II. Selection of hydrologic modelling approaches reefs for climate change assessment III. Roles of experimental marine ecology in III. Assessment of climate change impacts on coastal management and conservation hydrology and water quality with a watershed modelling approach 10. Marine pollution I. Study on impacts of pollution on coastal and6. Environmental and indigenous people related marine ecosystem in Malaysia.issues II. The application of biomarkers in marine pollution monitoring. I. Indigenous Peoples: Environmental Exposures and Sustainable Development III. Fish disease as a monitor for marine pollution. 11. Climate change and rainfall modelling II. Indigenous Water Issues III. Exploring different options for displaced I. Prediction of future rainfall affected by climate change indigenous people for rehabilitation7. Wetlands and lakes restoration II. Rainfall disaggregation technique III. Water resources availability and climate I. Biodiversity in wetland ecosystem of tropical climate change connection in tropical climate II. Use of wetland-based nutrient farming for 12. Fresh water ecology water quality protection I. Effect of urban stream syndrome II. Effect of climate change driven changes III. Effectiveness of nutrient loading reduction in shallow lake restoration in the tropic. III. Ecotoxicology of freshwater bodies 13. Integrated water resources management8. Coastal erosions – coastal person I. Study on integrated approach to coastal I. Conjunctive use of water especially between rehabilitation in Malaysia. surface and groundwater uses II. Tsunami sedimentation on the West Coast of Malaysia. III. Mangroves as indicators of coastal erosions

90 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper II. Sustainable Integrated Water Resources II. Landscape modelling of coastal habitat Management for Energy Production and Food change. Security in Malaysia III. Applications of remote sensing for the III. Imagined communities, contested watersheds: assessment and management of tropical Challenges to integrated water resources coastal resources. management in urbanized watersheds 18. Conservation and preservation of water resourcesGroundwater assessment, GW modelling and related I. Water foot print analysis for increasingstudies? production efficiency14. Protected conservation areas in marine II. Water recycling and reuse for industrial andenvironment commercial premises I. Effect of climate change driven changes III. Development of water quality standard II. Effect of zonation and species assemblages dedicated for sensitive/important ecosystem III. Marine spatial planning and sustainable 19. Policy and legislative issues development strategy I. Exploring policy and legislative tools for15. Impacts of climate variability on wetlands environmental flow allocations in differentecosystem rivers of Malaysia II. Development of a decision support system I. Impacts and Adaptation of Climate Variability to guarantee stakeholders engagement in and Changes on Wetlands managing the Malaysian watersheds and river basins II. Modelling the Impacts of Climate Change on Wetland Ecosystems III. Framing groundwater management and abstraction policy for sustainable use of the III. Climate Change Impacts on the Livelihood of resource Wetland and Lakes Ecosystem 20. Social and environmental costs of watershed16. Coastal ecology degradation I. Effects of engineering activities on coastal ecology in Malaysia. I. The economics and scope of community II. Diversity of methanogenic Archaea in watershed management initiatives in Malaysia mangrove sediment. II. Multiple environmental serves as an III. The impacts of climate change in coastal opportunity for watershed rehabilitation marine systems III. Cost-benefit analysis as a tool for17. Coastal habitat management rehabilitation of urbanized watersheds in I. Ecological engineering for successful Malaysia management and restoration of mangrove forests. 21. Advanced dam technology I. Realistic and Computational Efficient Evaluation of Temperature and Stress Development in Large Dams

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 91Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperII. New Developments in Dam Safety – II. Modelling of water supply systems for optimal Feasibility Evaluation on Risk control and responses to anomaliesIII. Hydraulic Simulation and Flood Protection in III. Spatial and Temporal Variation in Water Large Dams Supply and Demand22. Eutrophication 4. Water footprintI. Effect of land use activities on eutrophication I. Comprehensive Assessment of Water of the tropic water bodies Footprint of Energy Sector II. Assessment and control of eutrophication in II. Quantifying and Assessing the Environmental the raw water source impounding bodies Degradation of Manufactured Product (can be specific on the chosen product here) III. Water treatment for treating eutrophic waterSection 2: Water Supply and Demand III. Water Footprint Benchmark for Crop Production1. Water use efficiency 5. Technologies for controlling and monitoring non- I. Assessment of water use efficiency and point source pollution productivity for industrial development in Malaysia I. Non-point source water pollution II. Priority listing of important water use efficiency management: Improving decision-making and productivity indicators for sustainable information through water quality monitoring water conservation and saving II. Seasonal change of non-point source III. Development of a precise and logical pollution-induced bio-available phosphorus link between water pricing and water use loss efficiency for urban water supply in Malaysia III. Least-cost management of nonpoint source2. Assessment of water use and availability pollution: source reduction versus interception strategies for controlling nitrogen loss in Johor River BasinI. Assessment of water resources availability 6. Water demand projection and forecasting and demand in the Major river catchments of I. Decreasing Climate-Induced Water Supply Malaysia Risk through Improved Water Demand ForecastingII. Temperature and food availability affect risk II. Development of Advanced Water Forecasting assessment Methodology for Malaysia Incorporating Climatic AspectsIII. Availability assessment of a reverse osmosis III. Evaluating the Sustainability of Projected plant: Comparison between Reliability Block Water Demand Diagram and Fault Tree Analysis Methods3. Balancing water supply versus demand I. Implications of Future Water Supply Sources for Energy Demands

92 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperSection 3: Irrigation and Drainage III. Wastewater quality and reuse for irrigation in1. Environmental effects of nutrients carried in Malaysia using membrane technology.drainage discharge 5. Drainage for ecosystem and conservation I. Effect of nutrient enrichment on river I. Domesticated ecosystems: Challenges for the ecosystems management of large rivers in Malaysia II. Multi-attribute evaluation of ecosystem II. Development of nutrient objectives in management for the major river basins of Malaysian rivers and impounded water bodies Malaysia III. The fate of nutrients and nutrient carrying III. An ecohydrological model for studying capacity of rivers in Malaysia groundwater-vegetation interactions in shallow groundwater areas2. Development of best drainage design and practisesthat enable crops to use shallow groundwater Section 4: Sanitation, Wastewater andefficiently Environmental Issues 1. Integrated urban water management I. The effect of salinity on water productivity of paddy above shallow groundwater I. Multi-Criteria decision assessments using Subjective Logic: Methodology and the case II. The effect of saline shallow ground and of urban water strategies in Malaysia surface water under deficit irrigation in paddy fields II. Vulnerability of water quality in intensively developing urban watersheds III. Integration of SWAP and MODFLOW for modelling groundwater dynamics in shallow III. Developing a decision support system for water table areas of Malaysia sustainable option selection in integrated urban water management3. Improved and innovative irrigation technology (forwater use reduction) 2. Environmental and social impacts I. Equity, efficiency and regulation in the I. Scope and opportunities of sprinkler and drip sanitation sector in Malaysia irrigation systems in Malaysia: A valuable tool II. Effective water and sanitation policy reform for improving irrigation water productivity implementation: Need for systemic approach and stakeholder participation II. Investing in advanced irrigation application systems in Malaysia: Reviewing past and III. Assessment of environmental and social looking to the future impacts of existence and non- existence of wastewater collection and sanitation facilities III. Modelling for improved irrigation water in urban and semi-urban areas of Malaysia management in a tropical climatic conditions 3. Advanced and innovative technology for industrial4. Quality waters and wastewater reuse for irrigation wastewater treatment I. Domestic treated wastewater reuse for agriculture irrigation using aerobic membrane I. Combination of advanced oxidation processes technology. and biological treatments for industrial II. Study on wastewater reuse potential using wastewater treatment. anaerobic membrane bioreactor.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 93Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper II. Advanced ozone treatment and biological III. Treatment of domestic wastewater using treatments of palm oil mill effluent. biological process integrates with membrane to achieve zero discharge. III. Biologically pre-treated industrial wastewater using advanced UV irradiation. 8. Public awareness and participation in water resources conservation4. Nutrients removal and management I. Nutrient removal as tools in water quality I. A Case Study on Public Awareness and management. Participation for the water resources II. Nutrient removal mechanisms in constructed Conservation of a Tropical Urban River wetland and sustainable water management. II. Conservation, Development and Management III. Nutrient removal by constructed wetlands: of Water Resources: An Experience in Implication for water management and design. Malaysia5. Technologies for monitoring, controlling and III. Developing a Water Conservation Publicremoving diffuse and point source pollution Awareness Programme: A Guide for Utilities I. Decision support for diffuse pollution 9. Low carbon and energy efficient treatment system management I. Low carbon assessment for ecological wastewater treatment by a constructed II. Remediation technologies for heavy metal wetland. contaminated groundwater II. A microbial fuel cell–membrane bioreactor integrated system for cost- effective III. Comparative study of two models to simulate wastewater treatment system. diffuse nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in a medium-sized watersheds of Malaysia III. Industrial wastewater treatment and simultaneous electricity generation using6. Water and sanitation hygiene in rural areas microbial fuel cells. I. Study on water and sanitation hygiene in rural area. Section 5: Water and Climate Change II. Water supply, sanitation and hygiene 1. Water security challenges and mitigation measures awareness in rural area. I. Water Security and Climate Change III. Water sanitation hygiene and child health in Adaptation in Malaysia River Basins rural area. II. Water Security Index for Malaysia7. Zero discharge technology III. Improvement of Urban Water Security I. Treatment of palm oil mill effluent using 2. Energy and water efficient cities/township membrane technology to achieve zero discharge. I. Malaysia’s energy security in fast development activities: The perspective of energy usersII. The application of zero discharge system in treating industrial wastewater.

94 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper II. Understanding household energy consumption patterns: Are religion, race, and location playing role in energy consumption trends? III. Comparison of low and high income households in energy and water usage efficiency: Different tariffs for different types of income households3. Water-energy-food NEXUS I. Considering the energy, water and food nexus: Towards an integrated modelling approach II. Basin perspectives on the Water–Energy– Food Security Nexus III. Policy and institutional dimensions of the water–energy nexus4. Carbon footprint of water and wastewater treatmentsystem I. Analysis of Embodied Energy and Carbon in Water and Wastewater Treatment Systems II. Modelling Carbon Footprint III. Identifying energy and carbon footprint5. Environmental flow versus climate change issues I. Pushing the boundaries of climate economics: critical issues to consider in climate policy analysis II. Climate and narrative: Environmental knowledge in everyday life III. The importance of population, climate change and CO2 plant physiological forcing in determining future global water stress

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 95Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperChapter 5Setting aNational Agendafor WaterResearch5.1 Brief Overview of IWRM Concept Figure 5.1 Different fields constituting IWRM.Sustainable water management is required to The application of IWRM in Malaysia is still in theguarantee that a sufficient quantity and quality of early stages. Thus, there is dire need of boosting thisfreshwater resource is always available in meeting the field of research and identify tools and methods tohuman demand for water, as well as in maintaining bring IWRM concept from paper to field for solvinghygienic living standards. Sharp (2009) found that actual water research problems in the country.many universities were addressing sustainability in a‘piecemeal manner’ which generally fails to achievethe comprehensive organisational transformationnecessary for a sustainable water consumption andusage. One of the approaches for managing scarcefreshwater resources to a sound sustainability level isthrough the Integrated Water Resource Management(IWRM). Integrated water resource management, isdefined as “a process which promotes the coordinateddevelopment and management of water, land andrelated resources, in order to maximise the resultanteconomic and social welfare in an equitable mannerwithout compromising the sustainability of vitalecosystems” (GWP, 2000). Rahaman (2005) affirmsthat the IWRM is a recommended approach forsustainable water management. The IWRM covers allimportant aspects of water resources which directlyor indirectly affecting management strategies of waterresources in Malaysia. Different fields of researchcovered in IWRM are shown in Figure 5.1.

96 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper5.2 Mega Science Framework – ASM Study are maximised. The study indicated that MalaysiaIn 2010, the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) invests much less in R&D field as compared to otherhad completed a study on the need for development developed nations.of a framework that could capture R&D investmentsin Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) sector. 5.3 R&D Investment and Knowledge AcquisitionThe Mega-Science Framework was the first effort Malaysia has to intensify knowledge generatingof this type in generating new knowledge and STI capacity by investing more in R&D to be a developeddeliverables. The study concludes that the country’s country in 2020. The expenditure in R&D must reflectscience infrastructure must exist to help deliver the the norm usually associated with countries havingdesired results. The science infrastructure should also a developed economy (Mega Science Framework,ensure the evolution of more R&D to be undertaken 2010). Current expenditure in R&D by the Malaysianby the private sector vis-à-vis the public sector as is Government is about 0.6% of the national GDP (Grosstypically found in a developed country economy. Domestic Product). The ASM study suggests that The study also proposed for the establishment of government investment in R&D should be increasedthe National Research Council (NRC) and the National to 2.0% of the GDP. The current R&D investment inInnovation Unit (UNIK) as these would provide the Malaysia and other countries is shown in Figure 5.2.management function of ensuring that the fundingand management for R&D and strategic studiesFigure 5.2 Malaysia’s Low R&D Investment.Source: ASM Mega Science Framework, 2010

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 97Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper5.4 Knowledge Gaps in Various Economic Sectors of knowledge and hamper sustained economic growthIn the past, economic growth was a function of of the nation. The number of full time researchers inknowledge and capital growth. Past investments in Malaysia is very low as compared to other developedR&D in the relevant sectors would have generated nation (Figure 5.3).knowledge to stimulate economic growth (Mega The low number of researcher in the country resultsScience Framework, 2010). Continuous knowledge in low number of publications in high impact journals.enhancement or human capital development Figure 5.4 shows that in the year 2008, Malaysiancontributes to facilitate and accelerate economic researchers produced only 1,351 articles as comparedgrowth. The serious lack of researchers in basic to small population countries like Singapore, whoseand applied sciences, however, has to be urgently researchers managed to publish 4,187 researchaddressed such that it does not hamper the generation articles during the same period.Figure 5.3 Low FTE Researchers.Source: ASM Mega Science Framework, 2010

98 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperFigure 5.4 Scientific and technical journal articles.5.5 Duplication in R&D Investment in Malaysia watershed management studies are being conductedIn the current set up water resources management by Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID),and planning in Malaysia is fragmental as many Department of Environment, NAHRIM (Nationaldepartments and agencies are doing some similar Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia), etc. Furtherresearch in different Water R&D fields. For example, duplication in Water R&D and ultimately in Water R&D investment can be seen in Table 5.1.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 99Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperTABLE 5.1 SOME FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF WATER RELATED AGENCIES/BODIESDEPARTMENT/AGENCY Water SupplyEconomic Planning Unit Water SanitationMinistry of Natural Resources Irrigationand Environment HydropowerDepartment of Irrigation and Flood ControlDrainage Water Quantity RegulationDepartment of Environment Water Quality RegulationPERHILITAN Watershed ManagementNAHRIM Integrated Area DevelopmentForestry Department, Peninsular Data CollectionMalaysia ResearchDepartment of Director of Lands Ports and Navigationand Mines FisheriesJabatan Mineral dan Geosains RecreationalMarine Park DepartmentMinistry of Energy, GreenTechnology and WaterSPANWater Supply DepartmentSewerage Services DepartmentMinistry of Agriculture andAgro-based IndustryDepartment of AgricultureFisheries DepartmentMinistry of Housing and LocalGovernmentMinistry of Health

100 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Ministry of Works National Water Resources Council Tenaga National Berhad Ministry of Transport Marine Department MalaysiaSource: NWRS, 2011

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 101Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper5.6 Mechanism to Identify Priority Water R&D and suppliers/vendors, NGOs, and public interestAreas groups. These groups will need to ally to identifyCurrently, there is no formal or informal framework/ and support the future water research agenda.mechanism in the country for identifying the nation’s Although the notion that the water research agendawater research and development priorities or even for should be set in a decentralised fashion may haveprioritizing the nation’s water problems on a unified much appeal, recent experience suggests thatbasis. More than a dozen Federal agencies are decentralised agenda-setting has been reactive andinvolved in water research programmes in addition sometimes neglectful of long-term water issues. Oneto some State and private agencies. Despite the consequence of this has been that the environmentalnumber of Federal programmes for water research, impacts of many engineering works were neglectedthere is no single catalogue of Federal funds directed or misunderstood. Both multidisciplinary andto these purposes. Moreover, commonly acceptable interdisciplinary research should help to avoid astructure for categorizing types of water research is repetition of this kind of mistake.missing. The existing funding in Water R&D is not in A more viable mechanism is needed for setting andvery specific, but rather, it is split into various research overseeing the water resources research agenda inareas such as earth science, environment, regulation, the country and this research agenda should be basedplanning, ecosystem, pollution, climate change, etc. on the following main principles:This funding mechanism could not capture all the • The R&D activities must aim at supportingamount put on Water R&D by the government andother public and private agencies. As a consequence, the recently launched NWRP. The policythis type of funding mechanism may also cause statement spell out the need for the securityduplication of funding for the same Water R&D area and sustainability of water resources to beby the various departments and agencies. Added to made a national priority to ensure adequatethat, many research agencies are not forward-looking and safe water for all, through sustainable use,or focussed on the future water problems, but rather conservation and effective management of waterfocusing on short-term and operational research resources enabled by a mechanism of sharedprojects. Hence, these short-term research projects partnership involving all stakeholders. Thus allmay not help government to identify water problems the three NWRP principles as spell out in sectionin future., but instead hamper government policies 2.6.1.3 are highly relevant for charting the Wateras these policies may not be adequate for long-term R&D framework;planning in water resource management. • The water research effort should be aligned towards sustaining the existing resources and Nonetheless, some may favour the laissez faire towards creating new wealth as discussed in ASMapproach in setting Water R&D funding and argues Mega Science Framework;that this type of approach will serve the nation well • Specific policy for Water R&D is needed toand that what is needed is a massive infusion of guarantee that the nation is benefited from theresearch funding. However, the main problem with State-of-arts available techniques and tools;the laissez faire approach is that the competition for • Concept of Integrated Water Resourcesresearch (in terms of money input) is far more intense Management (IWRM) should be promotednow than it was at any time in the 20th century (NRC and applied in the country for managing waterReport, 2001). Thus, it is imperative that we be more resources in most holistic and efficient way; systematic and strategic in planning water research • The core research agenda should develop (1)if credible arguments for more resources are to be greater understanding of the basic processes—mounted. physical, biological, and social—that underlie environmental systems at different scales, A coordinated water research programme in which (2) appropriate environmental monitoringresearchers and policy-makers can be accountableto the public will require an alignment of State andFederal Governments, research universities, users

102 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paperprogrammes, and (3) research tools to identify 5.7.1 Mandates of WRDCand measure structural and functional attributes of The mandate of the proposed WRDC may include:aquatic and related ecosystems;• The national water resources research effort • Promoting co-ordination, co-operation and should be coordinated to reduce duplication and to communication in the area of water research and ensure that gaps in water research do not occur; development; and • Establishing water research needs and priorities;• The research effort should be multidisciplinary and • Stimulating and funding water research according interdisciplinary. to priority;5.7 Establishing a Water R&D Centre (WRDC) • Promoting effective transfer of information and technology; andIn the first phase of developing water research agenda • Enhancing knowledge and capacity-building withinin the country, we had proposed for the improvement the water sector.of NAHRIM (see Chapter 7). However, we stronglybelieve that in far future, this set up may not be able to The proposed Water Research & Developmentcover all problems associated to the Malaysian water Centre (WRDC) will be a world class integratedresources research. Thus, there will be a need for the applied research platform that will further innovationcreation of a Centre that could specifically deal with all in the water sector within Malaysia and internationally.aspects of Water R&D in the country. In this study, we This will be the first such initiative of its kind inprovide outlines of the proposed Centre in this chapter Malaysia to bring in multiple disciplines within thewhich may be required in future. same cluster including – Research & Academia, The proposed Water Research and Development Government, Industry and Civil Society. The proposedCentre (WRDC) would be responsible for establishing WRDC will provide a holistic solution that acceleratesand overseeing the national water research agenda. knowledge transfer across different domains: fromThe WRDC would be charged with the ongoing task research to industry and from global centres of waterof developing a strategic and anticipatory national research and innovation to Malaysia.water research agenda. The WRDC would consist ofrepresentatives from stakeholders from the public and 5.7.2 Centres of Excellence under WRDCprivate sectors as well as academic representatives The project team proposes that the WRDC will have— the people who best understand water problems five centres of excellence which can be establishedin their areas. The proposed WRDC would help in phases. The brief outlines and mandates of eachto ensure that there is adequate balance among centre of excellence are given as below:disciplinary, multidisciplinary, and interdisciplinary 1. Research & Innovation (focus on core research and water research. The WRDC would provide a relatively simple, innovation)centralised system of setting water research priorities. • Scientific ResearchThe appropriate implementation of those priorities • Engineering Researchcould provide the necessary assurances and • New product/technology development andaccountability for additional funding in water resourcesresearch. Because existing water research is so innovationfragmented and even approximate estimates of the 2. Water Quality & Resource Management (focusingtotal annual funding in such water research is difficultto estimate precisely. Indeed, one of the first tasks on collecting data and developing cutting edgethe WRDC would be to determine the current level models)of funding and the additional funds needed in WaterR&D.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 103Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper• Watershed management 5. Big Impacts Centre (develop and implement model • Data gathering projects)• Mapping• Modelling • Smart Grid• Measurement • Water Quality Trading • Water livelihoods3. Social & Economic Models (focusing on the water • Water Nexus (water/food; water/energy; water/ equality and new economic models) health)• Socio-economic research for urban and rural The proposed WRDC will be home to a world settings class integrated platform that will further applied research, development and demonstration in the water• Water economic modelling and research for urban sector through academic, government and industry and rural settings collaboration. The WRDC will accelerate knowledge transfer from research to industry and focus on• Water policy development addressing the challenges faced in Malaysia.• Water pricing models 5.8 Concluding Remarks4. Industry Solutions (bringing solutions to real Based on the above discussion, we propose that world and focusing on various other parts of Water R&D may focus on six broad water research implementation) areas which we believe are most important for efficient use and development of the country’s water• Technology transfer resources. These broad water research areas are as• Technology testing and verification follows:• Training 1. Research on water availability should focus on the• Standards• Incubation centre development of supply-enhancing technologies,• Venture Capital and Private Equity on understanding the threats to water quality,• Project Finance on developing means for preventing further• Water quality testing degradation in water quality, and on developing• Testing Labs management means and methods of enhancing water quality.• Water Foot-printing and efficiency solutions In order to conduct research on these fields,• Water instrumentation and technology data need to be available in real time and should characterise water quantity and quality for both manufacturing hub surface and groundwater waters. The monitoring• Consulting of water quantity and water quality will also be important in assessing whether water policies and management efforts are working. 2. Research of water use should focus on developing a better understanding of the problems of consumptive use, the importance and scale of water uses by all sectors (industries, domestic, agriculture, environment, etc.). Research on the technologies and infrastructure for water recycling will be critical to meeting future water needs.

104 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper3. Research leading to the development of improved water management institutions should receive much more emphasis in the country’s water research agenda. Research should focus on legal and economic institutions, and researchers from other social science disciplines in water resources research should be involved.4. Research on adoption of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the country should get more focus and needed funds should be allocated to satisfy demand of fresh water by the growing population and fast development activities to be a developed nation in 2020.5. Malaysia needs to promote innovation in Water R&D to remain competitive. The literature suggests that our neighbouring countries have made considerable progress on enhancing their capacities (water storage capacity and increased skilled human resource). Nevertheless, in general, Malaysia still lags behinds the neighbouring countries in Water R&D investment and research.6. We realise that the States cannot deal with certain societal challenges in isolation as these challenges are of a transnational in nature and should be only addressed through cooperation between all stakeholders (Federal, states, private and government NGOs, private and public research institutions, etc.).

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 105Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperChapter 6Water ResearchFund6.1 Introduction 6.2 Water Research Funds AvailabilityMalaysia is facing threats of a lack of sufficient 6.2.1 Research Priority Areas by MOSTIwater, while water quality and availability issues are The R&D funds related to MOSTI cluster focus onbecoming more acute. Many parts of the country areas including Biotechnology, ICT, Industry, Searequire immediate attention following the intensifying to Space and S&T Core under 4 types of funds: (i)water shortage problems due to the dry spell that ScienceFund; (ii) TechnoFund; (iii) InnoFund; (iv)has hit the nation. It is deemed to be of national Flagship Programme.importance to generate new knowledge and topromote the country’s water research purposely, owing ScienceFund is a type of grant provided by MOSTIto the recurrent critical water situation in Malaysia. to carry out R&D projects that can contribute to the discovery of new ideas and the advancement of At present, there is no research coordination and knowledge in applied sciences, focusing on highan apparent neglect of some key research fields. In impact and innovative research. The selected projectaddition, there is little strategic direction that would should produce clear and measurable expectedprovide for the identification of priority areas or output, outcome and impact in line with National Keyappropriate water technology transfer. To address Economic Areas / National Key Result Areas (NKEA/these issues, the government has established R&D NKRA). TechnoFund is a grant scheme which aimsactivities to promote sustainable management of water to stimulate the growth and successful innovationresearch studies. As water management problem of Malaysian enterprises by increasing the leveland related issues are getting increasingly more of R&D and its commercialisation. The schemecomplicated and the solution demands integration of provides funding for technology development, up tovarious water-related knowledge, the government is pre-commercialisation stage, with the commercialcommitted to direct and fund research on critical water potential to create new businesses and generateissues. However, the source of funds is scattered. The economic wealth for the nation. InnoFund is a grantadministration of R&D funds is largely related to the scheme which funds the development or improvementMOSTI and MOE. of new or existing products, processes or services with elements of innovation. The project must have economic value and improves the societal well-being of the community. InnoFund can be categorised into Enterprise InnoFund (EIF) and Community InnoFund (CIF).

106 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper Research priority areas for MOSTI ScienceFund, The flagship research areas are as follows:TechnoFund, InnoFund are as follows: 1. Biodiversity (sustainable utilisation and conservation) 1. Life Sciences 2. Cyber security (Information security and 2. Computer Sciences and Information and autonomous system) 3. Energy Security (Harnessing alternative Communication Technology (ICT) resources and improving the efficient 3. Agriculture Sciences/ Agricultural use of energy especially in the areas of renewable energy ) Engineering 4. Environment and Climate Change 4. Environmental Sciences (Ecosystem management, protection 5. Advanced Materials Science and improvement to mitigate flood, 6. Chemical Sciences drought & air pollution; biosurveillance 7. Physical and Mathematical Sciences for environmental protection; Eco- 8. Engineering tourism) 9. Medical and Health Sciences 5. Food Security (Improvement of food 10. Social Sciences and Humanities. crops, livestock & animal feedstock; The research priority areas for ScienceFund, Exploitation of biodiversity for food/TechnoFund and InnoFund by MOSTI do not indicate feed; Post harvest physiology &Water R&D as an important research area. As these technology Production System andfunds are offered by the government to academic Precision Agriculture; Improvement ofinstitutions and various industrial players, it is biosecurity biosurveillance and Sanitarysuggested that Water R&D should be included as one & Phytosanitary (SPS) measures forof the research priority areas. animal and plant genetic resources) The Flagship Programme is a special grant scheme 6. Medical and Healthcare (Diagnostic,programme provided by MOSTI to fund research in prevention and treatment to enable theareas identified to have an impact on the development ability to mitigate the burden of lifestyleof STI and aligned with the New Economic Model diseases; new and emerging diseases;(NEM). The Flagship Programme is a top-down Cancer; biosurveillance in medical andapproach and the National Science and Research healthcare.)Council (NSRC) sets the research priority areas and 7. Plantation Crops and Commoditiesparticular niches that need to be implemented for the (increasing the productivity andsustainability of current Government initiatives. Water utilisation, focusing on Oil Palm, Timber,R&D is highlighted as one of the research priority Rubber, Cocoa, Kenaf, Tobacco &areas for Flagship Programme as outlined below. Pepper)However, the flagship funds may only be used for a 8. Transport and Urbanisation (Enablingmulti-disciplinary project, which involves pilot plant/ the use of alternative energy sourcesprototype equipment and supporting infrastructure and energy efficiency vehicles forwhich is directly related to the pilot plant, therefore environmental friendly transport;limiting the number of successful applicants for this Design and engineering in vehicle,fund. infrastructure, systems and facilities; Efficient urban waste management (Reuse, recycle & reduce))

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 107Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper 9. Water Security (Sustainable sources that is fundamental, involving more extensive research and processing, treatment & distribution scope requiring longer research period and a strong of water) commitment. LRGS may produce theories and new ideas to the forefront of strategic research niche to6.2.2 Research Priority Areas by MOE expand the knowledge boundaries. Through LRGS, MOE also provides R&D funds including (i) it is hoped that research activities may increase via multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary collaborativeFundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS); (ii) work. The research programmes in LRGS focus onLong Term Grants Scheme (LRGS); (iii) Prototype seven strategic research niches in Malaysia. TheseResearch Grant Scheme (PRGS). Fundamental research areas are identified as high impact researchresearch involves the exploration of new ideas, areas spearheaded by five RUs. Water security isconcepts or theories which will be the backbone outlined as one of the research niches as follows:to new discoveries, expansion of knowledge andsophisticated and State of the art inventions. 1. Global warming 2. Infectious disease In this respect, under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, the 3. Tropical medicineMOE (formerly MOHE) has allocated RM200 million 4. Energy and water securityto fund fundamental research projects in Public of 5. Adequacy of foodHigher Education Institutions. The Ministry offered 6. Advanced manufacturing and added-valueapplications for the FRGS for the first time in 2006. 7. Information and communicationThe evaluation and recognition process for eachPublic of Higher Education Institutions fundamental technology (ICT)research project application is conducted by a group Apart from the seven niches that have beenof FRGS Evaluation Committee comprising of experts identified, institution other than RUs may also suggestfrom Public of Higher Education Institutions. The different research niches according to their ownfundamental research projects are generally classified research expertise.into six areas as follows: PRGS is a new programme under MOE. PRGS is created to bridge the gaps between 1. Pure Science laboratory discoveries and research up to its pre- 2. Applied Science commercialisation towards the creation of new 3. Social Sciences and Literature technologies in line with K-Economy and the New 4. Medical Science, Technology and Economic Model. This includes proof of concept, evaluation, up-scaling, pre-clinical and field testing. Engineering 5. Natural Science 6. National Heritage Water R&D is not highlighted as significantlyimportant by MOE as the research project areas inFRGS, hence limiting the positive outcomes of waterresearch areas. In line with core application for Research andInnovation, the research funding has increased toRM741 million for 2011 and 2012, under the TenthMalaysia Plan. This provision is for five researchprogrammes including the LRGS. LRGS is research

108 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperChapter 7Water ResearchGovernance7.1 Introduction crisis of governance” and all Governments should putIn this chapter, we will discuss the current set up of more focus on “effective water governance” for solvingwater governance in Malaysia and propose a new water crisis. This GWP Framework was later reviewedset up that can overcome the implementation, as well at the Hague in 2000, when the Ministerial Declarationas other management and water governance issues called for “governing water wisely to ensure goodcaused by the lack of comprehensive strategies governance, so that the involvement of the publicnecessary for efficient management and governance and the interest of all stakeholders are included in theof our water resources. In the first part of the chapter, management of water resources” (NWRS, 2011).we have briefly highlighted the issues relevant to the Governance is of utmost importance in determiningwater governance in Malaysia. In the second part, we whether a country succeeds or fails in its waterhave proposed a new set up of water governance. management. This is especially so when a countryThe new set up takes decentralised and centralised moves from abundant water availability towardsconcepts of water management in Malaysia. The scarcity (Mesdaghinia, 1997). The World Bank definesimportant points of the both systems (centralised and two types of water governance regimes: First, theredecentralised) have been taken into account while is ‘Good governance’ which is epitomised by “…proposing the new set-up of water governance. predictable, open and enlightened policymaking, a bureaucracy imbued with professional ethos acting7.2 Water Governance in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, and a strong civil society7.2.1 Definition participating in public affairs.” (Santiago, 2005). InThe Global Water Partnership (GWP) defines ‘water terms of “Poor governance”, conversely, the Worldgovernance’ as “…the range of political, social, Bank says it is “…characterised by arbitrary policyeconomic, and administrative systems that [are] in making, unaccountable bureaucracies, un-enforced orplace to develop and manage water resources, and unjust legal systems, the abuse of executive power, athe delivery of the services, at different levels of civil society unengaged in public life, and widespreadsociety.” corruption.” Elsewhere, the UNDP defines governance The Global Water Partnership (GWP) Framework in the following way: It is “… among other thingsfor action declared that, “the water crisis is often a participatory, transparent and accountable. It is also effective and equitable. And it promotes the rule of law.” In short, governance is about the exercise of power in managing a nation’s affairs, in this case the management of water resources. UNDP’s activities at

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 109Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paperthe 3rd World Water Forum in Japan in March 2003 Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), Localhighlighted the importance of water governance. Authorities (PBT) and Land Office. Agencies whichUNDP together with its partners committed to continue were established both at the Federal and State levelsthe Dialogue on Effective Water Governance, among include the Department of Irrigation and Drainageother things, to follow up actions as a part of the Type (DID), Department of Town and Country PlanningII Partnership for Effective Water Governance. Such (JPBD), Fisheries Department, Wildlife Departmenta level of governance is experienced in Penang State and Veterinary Department.whereby Water Watch Penang is working in closepartnership with the government and the private sector 7.2.3 Water Governance in Malaysiain ensuring good governance of the water sector If a country has bad water governance, its water(Chan, 2007). resources would not be managed sustainably (Alam et al., 2007). In general, water governance is not7.2.2 The Situational Background merely a case of managing water resources, eitherWater, is a State matter under the Malaysian by government, private sector or other institutions.Constitution. However, when it comes to water According to UNDP, water governance refers to theresources development, utilisation and management, range of political, social, economic, and administrativeboth the Federal and State Governments are systems that are in place to develop and manageinvolved. This is because the responsibility for water water resources and the delivery of water services atresource administration is fragmented and is shared different levels of society. Hence, water governanceamong a number of Federal and State agencies, compromises the mechanisms, processes, andeach of them having their own specific involvement institutions through which all involved stakeholders,in water-related issues (Elfitrie et. al., 2004). The including citizens and interest groups, articulatejurisdiction and legislative power in the aspect of water their priorities, exercise their legal rights, meet theirdistribution between Federal and State Governments obligations and mediate their differences in relationis in accordance to the Legislative Lists of Federal to water (http://www.undp.org/water/about_us.htmlConstitution which comprises Federal List, State List accessed on 04/03/14).and Concurrent List. Their interest in water-related Water problems in Malaysia are not an issue ofmatters could be viewed as from any one or more of scarcity as much as it is an issue of governance. Tothe following three aspects: (i) the aspect of planning, substantiate this point, the authorities have used thedevelopment and management of water resources; water problems as an excuse to shift the governance(ii) the aspect of protection and conservation of water; of the water sector from government control to privateand (iii) the aspect of land-use control and watershed hands. Ineffective institutional arrangements amongstmanagement. public sector organisations are given as the excuse The administration of rivers and water resources (Chan, 1998). Hence, privatisation of water supply andin this basin is being carried out by the Federal and raising water tariffs were preferred governance optionsvarious State Government agencies. The Federal as privatisation was seen as the panacea to all ofagencies are generally responsible for the studies, Malaysia’s water woes (Chan, 2006b).planning and development of the water resources. Many states have privatised some or all of theirThe State agencies are responsible for water supply water supply functions. However, this form of waterinfrastructure development including financing, governance has not yielded the success that it claimsoperation and maintenance. The Federal Government but on the other hand has led to losses and failures inagencies include the Department of Environment the privatisation (Chan, 2004). Hence, the civil society(DOE), Malaysian Meteorological Service (MMS), has argued strongly against privatisation (Santiago,Public Works Department (PWD), Health Department, 2005).Department of Agriculture (DOA) and the National The authorities need to employ a more “peopleHydraulic Research Institute Malaysia (NAHRIM). friendly” approach by allowing the public, includingThe State Government agencies include WaterSupply Department (JBA), Forestry Department,

110 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperNGOs, to play a greater role in water management One example of bad water governance in Malaysiavia consultation and participation in all developments can be deduced from the facts on Non-Revenue Waterrelevant to water (Chan, 2009). Water is everybody’s (NRW) reported by Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Airbusiness and everyone’s responsibility ranging Negara (SPAN). The SPAN reported that Peninsularfrom the government to water corporations, water Malaysia has an average NRW of 36%, with a peakauthorities, water companies, consultants, industries, of 53.2% (Negeri Sembilan) and a low of 16.9%businesses, NGOs, and the general public (Chan, (Penang). SPAN also reported that the NRW reduction2006a). All should work together in a partnership to for Selangor between 2003 and 2008 is from 43.9% toensure that water resources are used sustainably 33.9% (Yassin et al., 2013).in the best economic manner that does not harm The Federal government distributes waterthe environment but guaranteeing everyone access resources and supply management to severaland protecting the need of future generations with departments under different ministries. Table 7.1adequate and clean water. shows that there are too many departments involved in the water sector. And hence, many guidelines need to be complied. TABLE 7.1 WATER ADMINISTRATION UNDER FEDERAL GOVERNMENT Departments Tasks/Responsibilities The Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Hydrology, river management, flood mitigation, coastal management and storm water management The Public Works Department (PWD) Domestic and industrial water supply Department of Environment (DOE) Quality of rivers, reservoirs or any water catchment areas The Ministry of Health (MOH) Quality of raw water supply especially for drinking water purposes The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Setting water supply and sanitation policiesSource: Saimy and Nor Ashikin, 20137.2.4 Sustainable Water Governance in Malaysia each other, and as a consequence, the situationIn Malaysia, the majority of water development becomes more complicated in terms of naturalprojects were proposed by the Government and resources management and development (DID, 2007).private developer in recent years. Hence, there On the other hand, inadequate regulation foris a number of government agencies involved in control water development also contributes to themanaging the initiated project; especially during unsustainable development problem (Yassin etthe pre-development stage. However, the problem al., 2013). Malaysia has no direct laws aimed atof corporation and participation among the controlling development near to water area, thoughresponsible agencies remains a big issue towards there are laws that are indirectly linked such asthe achievement of sustainable of water development The Land Conservation Act 1960 (Revised 1989),practice in this country (Yassin et al., 2013). The Land Acquisition Act 1960, The EIA OrderAccording to Weng (2005), involvement of all 1987 and others. Nevertheless, they have beenstakeholders in natural resource management, such largely ineffective due to poor enforcement and pooras water management are essential in every stage. governance by those in charge (Weng, 2009). FigureHowever, in some cases, the State government and 7.1 summarises constraints factors in achievingFederal government do not cooperate and support sustainable water governance in Malaysia.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 111Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperFigure 7.1. Constraints in sustainable water governanceSource: Yassin at al., 2013 The message of the international water iv. Unsustainable exploitation of water resourcesorganisations is clear regarding the effective needs to be stopped and a global effort isgovernance of water resources. The following points required on emergency basis;can be considered while improving governance ofwater resources in Malaysia: v. Governments should develop water management strategies for regional, national, i. If water crisis is to be averted, effective water and local levels which promote equitable governance is necessary; access and adequate supply of water to the all users and at all times; and ii. Governments should give top priority to effective governance of water resources and vi. Integrated water resources management reduce non-revenue water (NRW) as much (IWRM) concept should be of water is lost from the system leakage and theft; promoted and applied in drawing up water efficiency plans in the country. iii. In order to have effective water resources governance, public participation needs to be encouraged and the interests of stakeholders should be protected;

112 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper All the above points should be applied in graduates were only 38 per cent of overall graduatesmanaging the country’s water resources. This will (Seventh Malaysia Plan, 1996). During the Seventhultimately affirm our commitment with the international Malaysia Plan (1996-2000), the number of researcherscommunity regarding sustainable management of increased to 23,262 after drastic efforts were taken bywater resources. the government, such as doubling the allocation for education and training development and increasing7.3 S&T Contribution in the Growth of Malaysian the intake for vocational education (Danabalan,Economy 1997; Omar, 1997). Five years later, about 27,500Developing a country with strong science and researchers were involved in R&D activities, or thetechnology background requires heavy investment in equivalent of 25 researchers per 10,000 workersresearch and development (R&D) activity. According (Ninth Malaysia Plan, 2006). More analysis on full timeto Lall (2009), R&D enables Malaysia to assimilate equivalent researchers (FTER) in Malaysia is given inand develop technological capability. It also allows the Chapter 5.country to diversify its industrial base by identify criticaltechnologies needed. Research & Development 7.4 Malaysia’s S&T Policy for the 21st Century(R&D) is the core of productivity and is of fundamental Science, technology and innovation are central toimportance for Malaysia in sustaining its economic success in today’s modern economy. They are vitalgrowth (Rasiah, 1999). The R&D activity is important resources and strategic investments for building afor long-term economic returns and is necessary in more innovative and vibrant economy in order to facesustaining technological growth. the challenges and uncertainties of the 21st century. Overall, R&D in Malaysia has shown positive The Second National Science and Technology Policyprogress since it was announced during the Fifth (hereafter S&T Policy) will put in place programmes,Malaysia Plan (1986-1990). Between 1986 and 1990, institutions and partnerships to enhance MalaysiaR&D contributed an average of 0.8 per cent to gross economic position including the quality of life of thenational product (GNP). The contribution of public people.sector in R&D expenditure was more than 80 percent, whilst private sector input was very low. In the 7.4.1 S&T Policy VisionSixth Malaysian Plan (1991-1995), R&D contributed To become a nation that is competent, confident andabout RM541.9 million or 0.2 per cent to the gross innovative in harnessing, utilising and advancing S&Tdomestic product (GDP), with 55 per cent contributed towards achieving the goals of Vision 2020.by the public sector and the balance by the privatesector (Rasiah, 1999). The situation, however, has 7.4.2 S&T Policy Goalshown some improvement after 1996. In the Seventh To accelerate the development of S&T capability andMalaysian Plan (1996-2000), the expenditure for R&D capacity for national competitivenessincreased to RM1,671 million or 0.5 per cent of GDP.Since then, the amount keeps increasing in other 7.4.3 S&T Policy ObjectivesMalaysian Plans. • To increase R&D spending to at least 1.5 per cent In terms of employment, in 1989, it was estimatedthat 13,605 researchers were involved in R&D of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the yearactivities or the equivalent of four researchers per 2010, in an effort to enhance national capacity in10,000 workers. However, the numbers slightly R&D; anddecreased for the period 1991-1995. During theperiod, there were only 8,300 researchers and 12,450technicians in Malaysia. The lower output of sciencestream graduates was one factor that affected thenumber of workforce available for R&D activities. Itwas reported that during the same period science

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 113Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper• To achieve a competent work force of at least S&T. The allocation of resources should, therefore, be 60 RSEs (researchers, scientists and engineers) closely aligned to national priorities for the country’s per 10,000 labour force by year 2010 in order to transformation into a knowledge-driven economy so enhance national capability in S&T as to maximise economic and social returns.7.4.4 New Directions of S&T Policy The S&T Policy addresses seven key priority areas: The S&T Policy provides a framework for i. Strengthening research and technological capacityimproved performance and long-term growth of the and capability;Malaysian economy. The S&T Policy aims to: ii. Promoting commercialisation of research outputs;• Increase the national capability and capacity for iii. Developing human resource capacity and research and development (R&D), technology capability; development and acquisition; iv. Promoting a culture of science, innovation and• Encourage partnerships between public funded organisations and industry as well as techno-entrepreneurship; between local and foreign companies for the v. Strengthening institutional framework and co-development of technologies with a view to increasing indigenous technology capability; management for S&T and monitoring of S&T• Enhance the transformation of knowledge into policy implementation; products, processes, services or solutions that vi. Ensure widespread diffusion and application of add value across every industry for maximum technology, leading to enhanced market-driven socio-economic benefit; R&D to adapt and improve technologies; and• Position Malaysia as a technology provider in vii. Build competence for specialisation in key the key strategic knowledge industries such as emerging technologies. biotechnology, advanced materials, advanced manufacturing, microelectronics, information and 7.4.6 Initiatives in S&T Policy communication technologies, aerospace, energy, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology and photonics; The project team reviewed the Second S&T Policy and• Foster societal values and attitudes that recognise found that the policy is comprehensive, though lacking S&T as critical to future prosperity, including the in Water R&D as a focus area. Below is a list of need for life-long learning; initiatives of the S&T Policy which encompass almost• Ensure that the utilisation of S&T accords all fields, except for the Water R&D field. Indeed, we emphasis towards approaches that are in are aware that other initiatives in S&T Policy are also conformity with sustainable developmental goals indirectly covering Water R&D, however, they are not including alignment with societal norms and specifically targeting Water R&D field. ethics; and• To develop new knowledge based industries. 1. Increase public and private sector investments in7.4.5 Strategic Thrusts for S&T Development R&D including infrastructure development;As a nation with relatively limited resources, Malaysiahas to ensure the desired results and high rates of 2. Research and technology developmentreturn from every investment made in developing programmes including basic research in the new and emerging technologies to be prioritised regularly through initiatives;

114 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper3. Invest in upgrading the infrastructure for S&T 13. Expand implementation of S&T Human Resource development including establishment of new major Development (HRD) Fund. research/technology development institutions; 14. Strengthen and expand Teaching Company4. Launch, jointly with industry associations new Scheme and other student attachment programmes in selected sectors to strengthen programmes to build long-term relationships indigenous technological capabilities of local for technology transfer and training between corporations in existing as well as new and university and industry. emerging technologies through partnerships with universities and public research institutes; 15. Improve the career prospects and mobility of scientists and research workers;5. Stimulate private sector investment in R&D technology development; 16. Re-examine programme on Returning Malaysian Scientists to make it more attractive;6. Aggressive and strategic implementation of existing Technology Acquisition Programme under 17. Review the Skills Development Fund to finance the smart partnership framework; industry-training programmes; Enhance and modernise the existing system of certification of7. Establish strong linkages with regional and technical personnel and classification of skills; international centres of excellence in collaborative R&D; 18. Expand adult and continuing education programmes, particularly in technical subjects, to8. Establishment of Business Development upgrade the skill base in specific areas; Unit within MOSTE to develop strategies and programmes aimed at enhancing the 19. Strengthen the effectiveness of mechanisms to commercialisation and diffusion of research allow industry to contribute to course design and findings generated from public funded research curriculum review in institutions of higher learning organisations; and industrial training institutes;9. Introduce, in collaboration with Association for 20. Ensure that Malaysian graduates acquire training Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); and skills that are fully relevant to national needs;10. Incorporate within existing procurement 21. Enhance and institutionalise linkages for industrial practices, programmes to support innovation training between industry and educational and development of indigenous technology establishments; development. 22. Strengthen the role of tertiary institutions in11. Apply self-financing targets for all public research advanced technology research and innovation; institutions (30% by 2005) and universities (5% by 2005). 23. Ensure an effective role for institutions of higher learning in all proposed technology parks and12. Intensify development of critical mass for S&T. innovation centres;

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 115Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper24. Expand the scope and coverage of S&T promotion Sains Negara - MPKSN (National Council for activities in collaboration with S&T NGOs and Scientific Research and Development) to ensure industry; effectiveness of S&T advisory and coordination system;25. Establish five Regional Science Centres by 2010 to elevate S&T awareness among the populace; 36. Expand efforts to develop effective information gathering, monitoring and evaluation and26. Promote techno-entrepreneurship; transmission mechanism to track the nation’s performance in S&T;27. Inspire Science and Technology awareness and appreciation at all levels of government; 37. Promote adoption of sound research management practices including intellectual property28. Raise S&T awareness and appreciation by management and commercialisation of research inculcating S&T culture in the education system; outputs in all PRIs and universities;29. Use the mass media to heighten public awareness 38. Enhance the management of intellectual property and appreciation of Science and Technology; rights including patent advisory and other services;30. Enhance the scope and coverage of the Science and Technology Week programme and other 39. Develop mechanisms and codes of practice promotional activities; to ensure that development of S&T accords emphasis to preventive approaches as well as31. Encourage the formation and development of being consistent with acceptable societal norms centres of excellence in science; and ethics;32. Promote the formation of guilds for technical 40. Enhance the management of the technology personnel with activities that are specially intelligence and information system; focussed on technical and professional issues;33. Support the Malaysia Design Council that aims 41. Require public sector R&D institutes to draw to create and maintain a fund to be used for up five-year budget plans detailing research encouraging the creation, design, development, programmes and priorities; financing, manufacture and utilisation of Malaysian inventions, research results including other 42. Enhance the system of contract research as a intellectual property; first step towards corporatisation of all industrial research institutes;34. Strengthen the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment (MOSTE) by endowing it 43. Aim for a greater degree of financial autonomy for with necessary resources to ensure effective S&T R&D institutes; policy formulation and implementation; 44. Enhance quality awareness and design in industry35. Review the role of Majlis Penyelidikan Kemajuan through ongoing programmes;

116 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper45. Form a special technical committee to propose 53. Set up national focal points for each of the new specific and concrete measures to enhance and emerging technologies; and the capability of the engineering and technical services sector; 54. Enhance exposure to international developments in the new technologies, and exploitation of46. Ensure the effectiveness of the Industrial foreign research expertise where necessary. Technical Assistance Fund;47. Gear public procurement policy firmly to 7.5 Water R&D not Captured in the Second S&T stimulating innovation and product development Policy for local firms to help them be more competitive in Currently, the third S&T Policy is under preparation regional and international markets; with the consultants, so the project team suggests that Water R&D should be specifically given priority48. Strengthen linkages between firms by encouraging in the forthcoming S&T Policy. It is no doubt that R&D and product development programmes water resources play a crucial role in every country’s between purchasers and suppliers and developing economic development. In addition, availability of vendor support systems; water resources equivalent to the minimum demand is government responsibility and guarantees the49. Undertake a detailed scrutiny with a view continuous development activities. to implementation of the product group Nonetheless, this may not be easily possible if Action Profiles in the key industry sectors water resource is not on top agenda in government such as Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced S&T Policy. The project team alarms that the absence Materials, Electronics, Information and of Water R&D in the country’s S&T Policy may Communication Technology and Multimedia cause some hindrance in the country’s development Technology, Biotechnology, Energy, Aerospace, targets and ultimately may slow down the pace to Nanotechnology, Photonics as well as other key be a developed nation in 2020. Thus, the project technologies; team strongly recommends that Water R&D should be considered as a focus area of research and50. Develop a secure knowledge base in the key development in the forthcoming S&T Policy. Doing technology areas to sustain technology support for that may not be easy as some amendments may Malaysian industry; be needed in the country’s constitution. However, these amendments can be made without prejudice of51. Prioritise research programmes in the new and existing laws and regulations prevailing in the country emerging technologies to ensure focus in areas by the legal team expert in water resources laws and that yield the highest economic pay-offs; regulations. This is very important and vivid that to remain52. Institute special measures to encourage the competitive in the future, the Malaysian Government formation and development of new technology- must support the development of critical bases for based firms engaged in the promotion or future specialisation and competence in carefully commercialisation of technological innovations; selected areas including Water research. 7.6 Need of a Legislative Framework Since the independence, water policies in Malaysia are made by individual states on an ad-hoc basis.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 117Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperThere are no centralised nor standardised water between various academic institutions and researchpolicies or guidelines for states to adopt. As a result, organisations in the management of water research.there are numerous Acts and guidelines on water, aswell as multiple agencies are managing them. Good The objectives are as follows:water governance is therefore needed in Malaysiato handle water problems complexity, for a better or 1. To strengthen the existing structure of waterefficient water use and management (Saimy and Nor research institutes and organisations;Ashikin, 2013). It is also to ensure economic, socialand environmental sustainability. 2. To coordinate multi-disciplinary research However, in implementing good water governance, between academic institutions, governmentallegislation becomes the central mechanisms (Ahmad organisations and NGOs;Fariz et al., 2009). The legal instrument would thensupport the water policies, programmes or projects. 3. To identify sources of funding for realisation ofHefny (2007) implied that ethical frameworks are also water-related research and studies; andnecessary to address water issues such as allocationof water resource, efficiency, productivity and 4. To identify potential research needs andvaluation. Aros (2009) emphasised that government niches to consolidate water research expectedagencies and State authorities should collaborate outcomes.more and draw up State and national regulations toensure proper and sustainable utilisation of water Restructuring process must consider the following keyresources. Wolf and Stanley (2011) State the water deliverables:management needs to be under a single entity,improved planning and continued attention. Unifying § Integration of multi-disciplinary researchwater-related activities under one ministry or agency activities conducted by universities and othersis also a good alternative for good water governance government agencies in Malaysia.(Melati, 2010). Ahmad Fariz et al. (2009) assertedthat the communities, industries and stakeholders § Review of critical aspects in regards toshould be made aware of the importance of water and research activities by various institutionstake part to protect the natural resource. According including supervision of research students,to MOSTE (2002), well trained monitoring and inter-varsity or multi-institution researchenforcement officers are also required to effectively grants, joint publications, patent provisionsmanage and enforce water issues. etc.7.7 Organisational Change and Management Tables 7.2 and 7.3 list water-related R&D inBased on the findings of this study, contributions universities, and government/private sectors,to the present and future needs of the water sector respectively. At the moment, there are 20 water-requires the continuous development of a workforce related R&D centres at local universities, threewhich is both adequate in size, capable in skills and government organisations and four private institutions.strong in leadership. The establishment of a Water Each institution seems to work independently. ThereResearch Consortium is proposed as the way forward appears to be significant overlapping in researchto facilitate the centralisation of various organisations, focus areas amongst universities. For example,representing the water sector in Malaysia. both Universiti Malaya (UM) and Universiti SainsFurthermore, the formation of the water consortium Malaysia (USM) focus on river management viawill serve as a collaborative platform for water Water Research Centre (UM) and River Engineeringresearch and its nexus in which NAHRIM becomes and Urban Drainage Research Centre (REDAC),the nuclei of this consortium. In this regard, NAHRIM respectively. However, several universities such ashas the main responsibility to ensure the coordination

118 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position PaperUniversiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti moment NAHRIM already has a good setup, withKebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has more than one more than 100 researchers and equipped with waterresearch centre with specific research areas and and hydraulic laboratories. The proposed Waterdisciplines. Hence, a focal organizational change Research Consortium is presented in Figure 7.2. It’sand management is of paramount importance to proposed that NAHRIM to be upgraded to becomecoordinate Water R&D activities especially amongst a statutory body under the Ministry of NRE. As otheruniversities. Similarly, there is a lack of coordinated statutory bodies (e.g. FRIM, MARDI, Malaysianeffort amongst the private institutions. For example, Rubber Board, MPOB), NAHRIM will be governed bywhile SYABAS and SAJ are both involved in water board of director that oversees the overall runningsupply, coordination at national level is at best weak. of the Consortium including matters on resources,This collaborative effort should represent a portfolio on financial and staffing. Below the NAHRIM board isbroad aspects of water research including integrated the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) which isriver basin management, water resources technology, responsible specifically in charting water researchsustainability, water supply, wastewater, etc. agenda and direction. RAC should meet once a year There is a need to form a consortium of major to review research programmes and suggests the wayWater R&D players to be led by a national agency. forward. Members of the RAC should be appointedIn this regard, NAHRIM position should be elevated amongst major stakeholders from other researchin order to play more effective leading roles. At the institutions, universities, private sectors and selected prominent scientists.

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 119Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper TABLE 7.2: UNIVERSITIES’ WATER R&D CENTRE/INSTITUTENo. Universities Research Year Contact Focus Area 1. Universiti Centre Established Water Malaya Research - Director • Industrial wastewater Centre treatment technology 2. Universiti Department of Civil Engineering Sains Faculty of Engineering • River basin management river Malaysia 03-79675202/5357 (Office)  modelling and hydrology 03-79555781/79675318 (Fax) 3 Universiti • River and marine water Sains quality Malaysia • Standards and criteria development, River 2001 Director • Social and economic impacts Engineering of water pollution. and Urban Drainage • River management Research Centre River Engineering and Urban • Urban Drainage Management (REDAC) Drainage Research Centre (REDAC) • Environmental Hydraulics Engineering Campus, Universiti Management USM, Seri Ampangan, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, • Hydro informatics Malaysia. Telephone : +604 – 5941035   Fax : +604 – 5941036 Centre for 1991 http://redac.eng.usm.my/ • Mangrove ecosystems Marine and Director • Marine pollution and Coastal Studies Centre For Marine & Coastal (CEMACS) Studies (CEMACS), toxicology Universiti Sains Malaysia, • Mariculture 11800 Penang, Malaysia. • Coral reef ecosystem • Integrated coastal zone Tel: +6048852750 (Ext 101) Fax: +6048852751 management http://cemacs.usm.my/ • Marine sciences • Biodiversity conservation

120 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper4. Universiti Institute for 1994 Director Comprises 4 Research CentresKebangsaan EnvironmentMalaysia and Institute for Environment and • Research Centre for Development (LESTARI) Sustainability Science and Development Governance (LESTARI) Research Centre for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Environmental, Economic and (UKM) • Social Sustainability (KASES) Tel: (+603) 89214144 Fax: (+603) 89255104 • Langkawi Research Centre http://www.ukm.my/lestari (PPL) • Research on natural Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI) Core Groups • Geological Heritage of Malaysia • Water, forests and natural resources • Liveable cities and landscape ecology • Socio-economic • Chemical management • Ecosystem change and adaptation • National tropical rock engineering research group

A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of 121Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper5. Universiti Institute 2011 Director Research ClusterKebangsaan for Climate Universiti Kebangsaan 1. Tropical Climate ChangeMalaysia Change Studies Malaysia, 43600 UKM, Bangi, (IKP) Selangor, Malaysia • Atmosphere, sea and Tel : +603 8921 5555 climate6. Universiti Tropical Forest 2008 Fax : +603 8921 4097 Putra Ecosystem • Ecosystem response and Malaysia Science Head of Research For Tropical climate change Research Forest Ecosystem Sciences Centre (TROFES) • Data mining and T086-855 473 mathematical modelling7. Universiti Smart Farming 2012 Fax: 086-855416 of climate change Putra Technology [email protected] Malaysia Research http://www.btu.upm.edu.my/ 2. Impact and Adaptation of Centre  eintrocoel3 Climate Change • Liveability and climate Head of Smart Farming change Technology Research Centre • Climate change and SFTRC, Level 6 West Wing, adaptation Tower Block, Faculty of Engineering, UPM Serdang. • Plant ecology and 03-8946 6427 conservation [email protected] http://www.smartfarming.upm. • Soil Science edu.my/ • Wildlife ecology and conservation • Economics of biodiversity conservation • Water quality • Social science • Biotechnology and ecosystem • Terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna • Precision farming engineering  • Agricultural automation & robotics  • Irrigation and drainage engineering

122 A Study on the Current Status and Needs Assessment of Water Resources Research in Malaysia - Position Paper8. Universiti Coastal and 1990 Director of COEI • Coastal and offshore Teknologi Offshore Tel : 03-26154370 engineering Malaysia Engineering http://www.coei.utm.my/ Institute (COEI) • Hydraulic and coastal designs • Offshore and coastal hydraulics • River and urban hydraulics9. Universiti Institutes of 1994 Director • Environmental chemistry Teknologi Environmental Malaysia & Water Institutes of Environmental & • Eco-hydrology Resource Water Resource Management • Water & wastewater treatment Management (IPASA) (IPASA) Tel : 07-5531574 • Green technology http://www.utm.my/ipasa/ • Climate change impact • Waste recovery • Impact and restoration of water bodies10. Universiti Centre 2006 Director • Integrated water resources Malaysia for Water management Sarawak Research (CWR) • Engineering hydrology Centre for Water Research • Wastewater management Email: [email protected] Integrated water resource Telephone: +6082 671000 ext. • management 181 Natural aquatic environments http://www.rimc.unimas.my/ •