KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 27): The water sector will be restructured to enable it to be a significant contributor to national growth and wealth creation through the Water Sector Transformation 2040 (WST 2040), a 20-year agenda outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) report.

The WST 2040, comprising four phases, will be developed to set the strategic direction towards positioning the sector as a dynamic growth engine, while ensuring water security for all, said the report.

Phase 1, slated to be carried out under the 12MP, is focused on accelerating the adoption of integrated water resources management (IWRM), while also laying the foundation for the execution of subsequent phases.

“In this regard, five strategies will be employed which include empowering people as drivers of water sector transformation, strengthening governance, enhancing data-driven decision-making, ensuring sustainable financing as well as developing sustainable and cost-effective infrastructure,” the report said.

The report said subsequent phases of the WST 2040 will be carried out under future Malaysia Plans.

Phase 2, under 13MP (2026-2030), will focus on developing indigenous technology to be on par with international standards, followed by Phase 3 under 14MP (2031-2035) which will focus on achieving economies of scale, and Phase 4 under 15MP (2036-2040) which will focus on becoming the regional water industry hub. 

The 12MP report said a roadmap will be developed to outline strategies, initiatives and programmes for each phase to ensure the success of the water sector’s transformation.

Additionally, the report said a dedicated task force comprising members from the public and private sectors will be established under the National Water Council. 

“The task force will guide, coordinate, monitor and report progress as well as review, realign and provide recommendations for the successful implementation of the WST 2040 agenda,” it said.