Sarawak’s water future under spotlight at Miri Water Forum 2025

Miri, Sarawak – 11 September 2025 – The future of Sarawak’s water security recently took centre stage at the Miri Water Forum 2025, where more than 80 experts, policymakers, and industry practitioners from academic institutions, government agencies, and engineering firms called for urgent action to strengthen Sarawak’s water infrastructure and safeguard its most vital resource.

The forum, themed ‘Advancing Water Infrastructure in Sarawak: Balancing Strategic Management and Technological Innovation,’ was jointly organised by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Miri Branch, and the Young Engineers Section (YES). It provided a crucial platform for cross-sector dialogue on safeguarding Sarawak’s water resources.

The event opened with a keynote address by Ir. Ts. Awg Mohammad Fadillah Awg Redzuan, Director of Sarawak’s Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), who underscored Sarawak’s commitment to modernising rural water infrastructure.

The water forum further served as a platform for diverse perspectives from government, industry, and academia, highlighting key issues such as the optimisation of urban water supply resources in Sarawak, the sustainable use of groundwater, environmental challenges and regulatory frameworks, and ongoing research and innovation in water management. Among the presenters were Edward Muol, Deputy Director (Geoscience), Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia, Sarawak; Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Geoffery Ranggu Anak Thomas, Miri Area Manager of Sarawak Water Sdn. Bhd; Ts. Liew Shuk Huey, Head of the Department of Environment (DOE) Miri Branch; Sinanawati Marto, Senior Environmental Control Officer of the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) Miri Division; and Professor John Lau Sie Yon, Associate Dean of Research and Development, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin Malaysia.

The insightful presentations was followed by a high-level panel discussion moderated by Curtin Malaysia’s Ir. Meheron Selowara Joo, who is also the chairman of IEM Miri Branch. The panelists explored pressing issues including water accessibility in rural communities, the need for climate-resilient infrastructure, and the role of advanced technologies in ensuring long-term water security. They also highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between agencies, engineers, and academic researchers in shaping sustainable water policies and solutions.

Dr. Tan Yee Yong, forum lead organiser and faculty member at Curtin Malaysia, highlighted the urgency of collective action. “Sarawak faces significant challenges, from limited access in remote communities to rising demand driven by rapid industrialisation. Long-term water security requires smarter resource management and innovative technologies to ensure accessibility, reliability, and environmental sustainability,” he said. Dr. Tan further urged stakeholders to unite in bridging infrastructure gaps, strengthening environmental safeguards, and bolstering climate resilience.

Also present at the forum were Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Lim Chye Ing, Associate Dean of External Engagement, Faculty of Engineering and Science at Curtin Malaysia, and Dr. Yong Leong Kong, Vice Chairman of the IEM Young Engineers Section Miri Branch, who reaffirmed the importance of industry-academia collaboration in addressing water challenges.

The Miri Water Forum 2025 reinforced Sarawak’s commitment to water as a critical resource for sustainable development, emphasising that solving Sarawak’s water challenges requires a united effort across government, academia, and industry.

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Group photo of forum participants.

Dr. Tan Yee Yong (3rd left) with Faculty of Engineering and Science members and panellists celebrating the success of the Miri Water Forum 2025.