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DEPUTY Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has called for stronger federal-state collaboration and a renewed commitment to innovation, professionalism and data integrity in managing the country’s increasingly complex water challenges.
Speaking at the official opening of the 33rd Annual Conference for Senior Managers and District Engineers of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) in Kelantan on Wednesday, Fadillah, who also serves as Minister for Energy Transition and Water Transformation, reaffirmed the critical role of integrated governance in safeguarding Malaysia’s water future.
Addressing delegates at Hotel Perdana, in Kota BHaru he welcomed the Menteri Besar of Kelantan and senior state officials, acknowledging Kelantan’s support for national water initiatives.
He described the conference as “a vital platform for feedback, identifying challenges and sharing best practices,” especially in view of accelerating climate-related disruptions and rising water demand.
Fadillah highlighted the significance of JPS as a key agency under his ministry (PETRA), and urged officers to adopt “a culture of integrity” in all aspects of data handling and policy implementation. “The leakage of classified documents—whether through negligence or intent—represents a serious breach that threatens national security and public trust,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s vision of sustainable and inclusive water governance, Fadillah said PETRA’s agenda includes transforming Malaysia into a regional water hub, fuelled by innovation, research and commercialisation.
He said JPS must serve as the “facilitator of the national water policy” at all levels of government, closing the gap between planning and execution.
The minister also referenced the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), unveiled on 31 July, in which water resilience forms a key focus under Strategic Thrust A7.
The plan places emphasis on flood mitigation infrastructure through a dual structural and non-structural approach, supported by geospatial systems, AI-powered early warning mechanisms and the repurposing of former mining ponds into retention basins.
He outlined adaptive strategies including the construction of floating homes, use of flood-resistant materials, the adoption of ‘sponge city’ concepts, and the development of post-disaster financing and insurance mechanisms to support small businesses and vulnerable communities. Institutional governance, land-use planning, and local disaster risk management are also slated for enhancement.
Fadillah urged all JPS personnel to commit to excellence and ethical service, encouraging them to use the conference to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks and refine leadership capacities. - August 13, 2025
