Studies in civil and environmental engineering take Curtin students to Lambir Water Treatment Plant

Miri – 2 October 2019 – 23 undergraduate civil and construction engineering and environmental engineering students of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently visited the LAKU Lambir Water Treatment Plant near here as part of their studies in ‘Environmental Principles and Design’ and ‘Water Quality and Resource Engineering’.

Accompanying them on the site visit were unit lecturers Dr. Tan Yee Yong, Dr. Daniel Tang Kuok Ho and Carrie Ho Lee Ing.

The objective of the visit to the plant, which is owned and operated by LAKU Management Sdn. Bhd., was to observe the water treatment process and gain a better understanding of the design, planning and supervision of environmental and civil engineering projects serving local community needs.

The students and lecturers were met on arrival by LAKU Water Quality Control Executive Lizsberth Ngana, who later took them to view the raw water intake and treatment processes such as flocculation, sedimentation and rapid sand filtration. They also visited the plant’s water quality laboratory.

Civil and construction engineering student Sabrina Ha Chian Huey said it was an interesting and fun site visit where she gained considerable technical knowledge on the water treatment processes.

Fellow civil and construction engineering student Aung Thu Nyein agreed, saying that it allowed the students to enhance their understanding of how raw water is treated and also connect what they are learning in the two units to actual practice in industry.

Meanwhile, environmental engineering students Awa Soo Hooi and Mohamed Bassam said getting a first-hand look into how a water treatment plant actually works, including the small details of the structures and chemicals used, would help the students make improvements in their water treatment plant design projects for the ‘Environmental Principles and Design’ unit.

Dr. Tan, who is the coordinator for the environmental engineering programme at Curtin Malaysia, said Curtin Malaysia appreciated the guidance, support and assistance given by LAKU Management Sdn. Bhd. for the visit. He said such collaboration with the university’s industrial partners and visits to their plants and workplaces greatly enrich the students’ learning experience.

Head of the Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Associate Professor Muhammad Ekhlasur Rahman, also emphasised on the importance of extending teaching beyond the classroom. He said that site visits truly benefit the students, helping them broaden their horizons and enhance their understanding of the concepts taught by lecturers.

Students and lecturers pose for group photo with LAKU staff at the water treatment plant.

Students observing the backwash process at the treatment plant.

Students being briefed by LAKU staff in the water quality laboratory.