THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) and Malaysian Water Association (MWA) are collaborating with the Netherlands’ water cycle research institute KWR in the best possible way to manage water treatment plant residuals.
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said the Dutch counterparts had been remarkably doing well in this aspect.
He said Dutch experts have been well equipped with knowledge needed on recycling sludge and turning them to become economic products, which include construction materials and cosmetic products.
“Therefore, they are here to assist and share their expertise with us.
Jaseni speaking to reporters while Christoph Prommersberger (right) looks on.
“I still could recall that the Dutch been actively involved in recycling initiative 20 years ago. Back then, the KWR, known as KIWA, had already been carrying out such initiative.
“That is why, we hope our water engineers could learn and understand the whole process of such effort with their presence here ,” he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Water Engineers Action Committee (MyWAC) 32nd Annual Conference in Bayview Beach Resort in Batu Ferringhi today.
The three-day event, from today till Thursday, features the Malaysia-Netherlands Symposium and Workshop on Sustainable Water Treatment Residuals Management in Malaysia.
The workshop is important to ensure those present can explore the session in a bid to create Penang as a ‘Water Wise City’.
Chow and Christoph Prommersberger (second right) exchanging souvenir while Kadir (right) and Jaseni (left) look on.
Experts from the Netherlands are present to share their experience on sustainable business, research and development (R&D) models in managing water treatment, circular economy in water sector and joint research programmes in Dutch water sector.
Jaseni added that wastes, which were dumped at the landfills instead of being taken to be recycled, could only create more problems.
“Hence, we want to ensure all these wastes are recycled to a better environment,” he said.
Jaseni also emphasised the importance of protecting the Ulu Muda water catchment area by curbing any illegal logging activities.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, earlier in his speech, thanked MyWAC for choosing Penang as the host for the conference.
He said the Netherlands has been kind for its support given by coming all the way to assist the state.
Chow delivering his speech during the event
“The knowledge shared by the industry players will provide all partakers with useful skill to be applied at one’s respective work.
“The state government is interested in collaborating with these leading figures in Digital Water, especially in terms of incorporating it into Penang’s Digital Transformation Master Plan under Penang2030 vision.
“This workshop will definitely help those present here to have a better idea and knowledge.
“This is due to the fact that the Netherlands has a reputable and proven business model that is both financially and environmentally sustainable and the state is grateful to them for their support rendered in water-related expertise,” he said.
The Netherlands deputy ambassador to Malaysia Christoph Prommersberger expressed his gratitude to the state.
He said the Netherlands has around 80 percent of sludge and wastes recycling rate.
“In fact, the Netherlands and Malaysia have been jointly working together for decades especially on the water management aspect.
“Hence, we are very glad that we are able to share our knowledge and expertise in order to create solutions to solve challenges facing Malaysia,” he added.
Also present were MyWAC patron Datuk Abdul Karim Mohd Tahir, MyWAC chairman Ishak Hasnan and MWA president Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Law Suun Ting
Source : www.buletinmutiara.com
