Managing a precious resource
MALAYSIA receives abundant rainfall, averaging from 2,000mm to 4,000mm annually, and is drained by a dense network of rivers and streams.
As water is considered a cheap commodity, less attention is focused on it despite increasing pressure on the country’s water resources.
The National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia’s ( Nahrim) research and development areas constantly evolve to address the changing trends of water issues faced by Malaysia.
Rainwater harvesting
Rainwater harvesting provides an independent water supply when there is a drought, helps to mitigate flooding of lowlying areas and reduces demand on wells, which may enable ground water levels to be sustained.
In 2000, Nahrim set up rainwater harvesting system research plots for non- potable use to monitor the performance of the rainwater harvesting systems in residential areas ( terrace houses in Kuala Lumpur and long houses in Sarawak), mosques, administrative buildings and recreational venues.
Nahrim is now embarking on a larger- scale rainwater harvesting system at the Paya Indah Wetlands water recreational area as well as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry as part of its drive to promote the use of alternative water.
Rainwater harvesting also helps increase the availability of potable water as rainwater is substantially free of salinity and other salts.
In 2010, Nahrim set up a rainwater harvesting system for potable use in Taman Negara, Pahang. The rainwater from this system will be treated for drinking purposes and commercialised.
Climate change
Climate change leads to uncertainties in water supply and management of water resources.
Nahrim has completed a study on the impact of climate change on hydrology regimes and water resources in peninsular Malaysia.
This research yielded projection data and hydroclimatic information in peninsular Malaysia for the periods 2025 to 2034 and 2041 to 2050, and showed climate change impacts on the hydroclimatic parameters, rainfall intensity and river flows.
Nahrim’s next project, which focused on Sabah and Sarawak, yielded projection data and hydro- climatic information for the period 2050 to 2100.
The research results were presented as a notification paper titled “Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources” during the meeting of the 4th National Water Resources Council in 2009 and contributed to the development of two important policies – the National Green Technology Policy and the National Policy on Climate Change.
It also played a part in the formation of the National Green Technology and Climate Change Council, which was established to foster greater ties and coordination between adaptation measures taken by the Government, as well as adaptation acceptance among the public.