Petaling Jaya, 30 Oct 2025 – The NAHRIM Research Roadshow & Outreach Programme in Selangor was successfully held at Le Méridien Hotel, Petaling Jaya, marking another milestone in collaborative climate and water research. The programme was jointly officiated by Daniel Lee Marn Zhi, Executive Director of the Selangor Climate Adaptation Centre (SCAC), and YBrs. Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Safari bin Hj. Mat Desa, Director of the River Basin Research Centre (PKLS), NAHRIM.
The event brought together experts and stakeholders from government departments, agencies, academia, and industries across Selangor, creating a dynamic platform to share insights, research findings, and innovative solutions for sustainable water management.
A Platform that Connects Research to Real-World Challenges
The roadshow served as more than just a presentation of scientific findings, iit became a space for dialogue, reflection, and partnership. Seven research papers were presented by NAHRIM researchers from various divisions and laboratories, covering topics from climate and hydrology to renewable energy and policy.
Each session concluded with an interactive discussion, where participants exchanged feedback and ideas to guide future research planning and policy development.
Beyond academic exchange, the event also featured a research showcase highlighting studies on river water quality, hydrological innovation, and emerging water-related challenges in Selangor.
Voices from the Leadership
In his opening remarks, Dr. Safari bin Hj. Mat Desa, Director of the River Basin Research Centre (PLKS), NAHRIM, shared that the outreach programme aims to make the public more aware of the research, innovations, and services NAHRIM provides to industries, agencies, and institutions.
“We want Malaysians to understand that when they think of water, they think of NAHRIM , Ingat Air, Ingat NAHRIM,” he said, underlining the organisation’s vision to be the nation’s reference point for water solutions.
As co-organiser, Daniel Lee Marn Zhi from SCAC emphasised the importance of synergy between science and policy.
“This platform allows researchers, policymakers, and industry players to connect and learn from one another. Science-based insights are essential in framing accurate and effective policies,” he shared.
“Selangor’s economic focus in 2025 particularly in renewable and transition energy depends on how well we integrate local data and real-world challenges into our research. International models exist, but our policies must reflect Selangor’s realities,” he added.
He also expressed hope that the innovations and research presented by NAHRIM would become models of reference to address Selangor’s water issues, while strengthening collaboration among agencies toward a more resilient and sustainable state.
Why This Event Matters
Selangor faces complex and evolving water challenges that affect nearly seven million people. The devastating flash floods of 2021 led to severe damage to infrastructure and significant economic losses.
In alignment with SCAC’s climate adaptation agenda, this outreach programme reinforces the importance of integrating scientific research into state-level planning ensuring that Selangor’s climate resilience is grounded in accurate data, local context, and strong collaboration.
Research Highlights from the NAHRIM Roadshow
Climate and Hydrology
- Hydro-Climate Impacts in Selangor:
Climate change is intensifying floods and droughts across the state. The study highlights the need for updated technical guidelines and adaptive planning to reduce future risks. - Sea Level Rise in Coastal Selangor:
Projections show an increase between 0.24 and 1.45 meters by 2100, threatening 492 km of shoreline and 20,874 hectares of mangroves. The research proposes nature-based solutions and coastal zone management to protect vulnerable areas.
Water Treatment and Reuse
- Reusing Sludge from SSP2 Water Treatment Plant:
NAHRIM’s NSPIRE pyrolysis system can transform sludge into reusable materials like bricks and tiles. The study found that mixing sludge with biomass enhances its potential for circular economy applications.
Water Pricing and Policy
- Developing a Sustainable Raw Water Pricing Mechanism:
Malaysia’s current pricing system lacks transparency and consistency. NAHRIM’s model proposes a dynamic approach that integrates environmental and operational costs, supporting more responsible water governance.
Hydraulic Modeling and Infrastructure
- Advanced Physical Modeling at NAHRIM’s Hydraulic Lab:
Using wave basins and flumes, researchers simulate coastal and flood infrastructure performance. This ensures that breakwaters, ports, and flood mitigation structures are tested and validated under realistic conditions.
Groundwater Resilience
- Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in Langat Basin:
The study explores MAR systems such as recharge wells and infiltration basins to combat groundwater depletion and salinity issues, providing valuable data for sustainable groundwater management.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
- Mini-Hydro Opportunities in Selangor:
Small-scale hydropower projects below 10MW can support the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) programme and reduce carbon emissions. The Batang Kali project, for example, has the potential to cut over 200,000 tons of CO₂ in 21 years aligning with Malaysia’s green energy transition.
Looking Ahead
As the event drew to a close, one thing became clear: the NAHRIM Research Roadshow was not just about sharing findings, it was about building relationships.
It connected data with decision-makers, research with reality, and science with society.
Through this collaboration, Selangor continues to chart a path toward a future where water is managed wisely, policies are built on evidence, and resilience is a shared mission.
Because in Selangor, sustainability is not just a goal, it’s a commitment to the generations who will call this land home.
