KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- During the keynote speech at ASIAWATER 2016 conference YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia, spoke about the adoption and implementation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to address water scarcity issues in Malaysia.

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YB Dato Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar said: "The situation in Malaysia is far better than most developing countries with almost 94% of residences receive treated water supply directly from the reticulation system and over 99% of the premises in the nation are provided with flush toilet facilities. Although statistics and numbers showed commendable progress, there are still persistent issues and challenges related to water resources which have now become increasingly apparent. Though it is the policy of the Ministry to promote IWRM, progress is not encouraging. Currently there is no legal and regulatory support for IWRM. Under the Federal Constitution water resources fall under the jurisdiction of state governments, for effective implementation of IWRM, the Federal Government requires the commitment and support of all state governments and all the local authorities.

Water security is a serious concern even for Malaysia with over 3000mm of annual rainfall. Incidents of water rationing are not uncommon even for Klang Valley which had water rationing in early 2014 due to a prolonged dry spell resulting in lack of water flows in Sungai Selangor, the most important water source for Klang Valley. He further added to avoid water rationing, it is important that all stakeholders provide the necessary support and cooperation to protect and preserve the quantity and quality of this precious commodity.

During his speech on the first day of ASIAWATER 2016, the regions dedicated event for the water and wastewater management he emphsised on the state Governments role to monitor and gazette catchment areas. This is to ensure forests serving as water supply catchment areas for dams and rivers are able to provide the raw water yield for water supply for domestic and non-domestic purposes. He also highlighted how certain dams in the country are not functioning optimally because catchment areas have been developed for agriculture cultivation or plantation.

ASIAWATER Expo and Forum which is in its 9^th edition for the first time has brought together a stellar free-to-attend conference programme including over 20 industry specific sessions open for all participants. Key industry speakers and professionals will come together during ASIAWATER 2016 over three days to address these and several other issues affecting the water industry and wastewater management practices. The conference which is supported by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage under the direction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Malaysia will include key themes encompassing a wide range of thought-provoking papers delivered by an international panel of experts. Entrance to exhibition and conference is free of charge for business professionals upon registration or on-site Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

About ASIAWATER Expo & Forum (www.asiawater.org)

ASIAWATER Expo & Forum, the longest running and leading trade event for the water and wastewater industry. It is held biennial in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It has continued to prove to be a one-stop regional hub and recognised by the most respected industry professionals. The event offers a stream of business opportunities while at the same time developing Asia's water infrastructure.

About UBM Asia - the show organiser (www.ubmasia.com)

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser in China, India and Malaysia. Established with its headquarters in Hong Kong and subsidiary companies across Asia and in the US, UBM Asia has a strong global network of 30 offices and 1,300 staff in 24 major cities. We operate in 20 market sectors with 230 exhibitions and conferences, 23 trade publications, 20 online products for over 1,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world.

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SOURCE UBM Asia (Malaysia)