Malaysia to Lead Bio-Based Innovations for Water Sustainability by 2040

Malaysia is accelerating efforts to adopt bio-based and plant-derived technologies in water and wastewater management, positioning them as sustainable alternatives to traditional chemical treatments. The initiative is part of the national strategy to reduce carbon emissions, enhance resource efficiency, and strengthen domestic innovation capabilities in line with the country’s transition roadmap. During the launch of an international water convention in October 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for energy transition and water emphasised Malaysia’s vision to not only adopt foreign technologies but also create and export home-grown solutions. A key highlight is the plan to establish a National Water Hub by 2040, serving as a central platform for research, innovation, policy and industry collaboration under the country’s Water Sector Transformation 2040 agenda. With smart-metering, leak-detection systems and data-driven monitoring already being rolled out, the government aims to drastically reduce non-revenue water and boost operational efficiency in the sector. The broader objective is to embed sustainability across the water lifecycle—from resource conservation to resilient infrastructure—thus supporting long-term national water security and aligning with global environmental goals.