SDG 6 : CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) is deeply committed to advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through education, research, innovation, and community engagement. As an entrepreneurial university, UMK embraces sustainability as a guiding principle that shapes its teaching, learning, and operational culture. The university strives to create meaningful social, environmental, and economic impact by nurturing responsible leaders, promoting inclusive growth, and developing solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

UMK promotes sustainable water use, conservation, and sanitation practices across its campus and surrounding communities. Through research, awareness, and responsible management, the university supports access to clean and safe water, ensuring this vital resource is preserved for generations to come.

MEASUREMENT OF TOTAL UNIVERSITY WATER USAGE

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) measures the total volume of water used across its campuses. The primary water supply is provided by Air Kelantan Sdn. Bhd. (Kelantan Water Sdn. Bhd.), and all water usage and billing records are managed by the Center for Infrastructure, Development and Management. Additionally, UMK extracts groundwater through tube wells, which undergoes a complete treatment system at both UMK Bachok and UMK Jeli Campuses to ensure safe and sustainable use

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESSES

A contractor has been hired by UMK to manage and treat sewage and to control non-point source (NPS) pollution within the campus area.

PROCESSES TO PREVENT WATER POLLUTION AND CONTAMINATION

UMK has a retention pond to prevent polluted water from entering the water system by capturing and holding stormwater runoff, allowing sediments and pollutants to settle before discharge. In addition, UMK manages and coordinates the scheduled disposal of laboratory waste, ensuring proper disposal of chemical and biohazardous waste in accordance with environmental and safety regulations, supported by consignment notes to document the transport and disposal of hazardous materials

PROVISION OF FREE DRINKING WATER ON CAMPUS

UMK ensures the provision of clean drinking water for all students and staff by installing water filters in every faculty, hostel, cafeteria, and administrative building. Each location is equipped with a minimum of two water filters.

APPLICATION OF BUILDING STANDARDS TO MINIMISE WATER USAGE

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) applies building and operational standards to minimise water use. UMK has a total of 26 buildings, comprising 10 new buildings and 16 existing buildings. Water-efficient fixtures are installed in the campus, including dual-flush toilet systems in two new buildings and urinals in seven buildings to reduce water consumption in sanitation facilities.

In addition, UMK implements sustainable landscape practices through the “Orchard on Campus” and “Green Campus” initiatives, where various fruit trees and vegetables are cultivated using fertigation and drip-irrigation systems in line with precision-farming principles, ensuring efficient water usage in agricultural activities on campus.

Furthermore, the minutes of the UMK Green Campus Committee Meeting show the approval for the installation of water pumps in catchment ponds and sprinkler systems for campus landscape irrigation, reflecting UMK’s systematic approach to water-efficient infrastructure planning and management.

LANDSCAPING PRACTICES TO MINIMISE WATER USAGE

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) actively plants landscapes to minimise water usage in line with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The University adopts water-efficient landscaping practices, including the use of drought-tolerant plants, fertigation, and drip-irrigation systems to reduce water consumption while maintaining green spaces.

These efforts align with UMK’s commitment under the SDG guidelines to use water more efficiently, supply cleaner water, and manage water resources sustainably. The University also integrates environmental conservation by protecting and restoring hills, forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes connected to water sources. Through collaboration with local communities and partners, UMK promotes sustainable water management practices, including water reuse and recycling, ensuring the benefits of efficient water use reach both the campus and the wider community.

POLICY ON MAXIMISING WATER REUSE

UMK has a water reuse policy as part of its Environmental Policy for a Green Campus, supported by the Guidelines for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), University Malaysia Kelantan, which aim to promote sustainable water management and maximize water reuse across the university

MEASUREMENT OF WATER REUSE ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY

At UMK, rainwater is collected from the roofs of buildings and reused for purposes such as washing campus vehicles, watering plants, and flushing toilets. Approximately 660 gallons of treated rainwater are used in toilets per week, amounting to 2,640 gallons per month (≈10 m³). The total treated water produced on campus is approximately 460 m³ per month. With an estimated actual water consumption of 2,800 m³ per month, the proportion of treated water used, apart from the supply from the water provider, is approximately 16.4%.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ON WATER MANAGEMENT FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

UMK manages and coordinates various activities for water management educational experiences, as shown in Table 1. These initiatives collectively demonstrate UMK’s commitment to providing educational opportunities that promote good water management within local communities. Through practical sessions in sustainable forest and watershed management, scientific expeditions at Tok Bali Wetlands, and field work at the Perak River Hydropower Station, students gain hands-on experience in conserving and managing water resources. Programs such as Environmental Sustainability Week, the Pioneer Program for Water and Environmental Awareness, and the Sustainable Community Program with SK Batu Melintang engage both students and local communities in understanding the importance of water conservation. Additional initiatives, including beach cleaning at Port Dickson, the STI 100³@SciensationBio Program, and international exposure through the Credit Mobility Program at Prince of Songkla University, further strengthen awareness of sustainable water use and implementing strategies to conserve aquatic ecosystems while actively engaging local communities in learning about and managing their water resources responsibly

a) Practical Session for the Sustainable Forest Management & Watershed and Catchment Management Courses

A practical program conducted at sites such as Taman Tugu, Putrajaya Wetlands, FRIM, and the Larut Matang Mangrove Eco-Education Centre, as part of the elective courses Sustainable Forest Management and Watershed and Catchment Management under the Natural Resource Science Program (SEN), strengthened students’ understanding of sustainable forest and water management. The hands-on activities focused on real practices in wetland and watershed conservation, highlighting approaches that directly benefit the community and support UMK’s efforts to provide local communities with educational opportunities to learn about good water management.

b) Tok Bali Wetland Scientific Expedition

The Scientific Expedition was held from 5 to 9 May 2024, with the Pasir Puteh Land and District Office as the main organizer and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Kelantan together with the Kelantan State Forestry Department as co-organizers. They collaborated with the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) in successfully conducting this scientific expedition within the Melaleuca (gelam) forest ecosystem.

This expedition also reflects the commitment to cooperation on water security, as it involved collaboration among local and regional government agencies in studying and conserving wetlands ecosystems. Such partnerships are vital in enhancing understanding of water resources management, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable conservation practices to ensure long-term water security in the region.

c) Environmental Sustainability Week 2024

UMK hosted an Environmental Sustainability Week (14-18 May 2024), engaging local schools in activities aimed at promoting awareness and action on environmental issues. Programs included workshops, hands-on projects, and competitions focused on sustainable practices such as water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and renewable energy. This initiative fosters collaboration between UMK and the community while encouraging students to adopt environmentally responsible habits.

d) Pioneer Program for Water and Environmental Awareness – East Coast Zone

The PROGRAM PERINTIS PRIHATIN SUMBER AIR DAN ALAM SEKITAR (3PSAAS) 2024 ZON PANTAI TIMUR was conducted over three days, from 16 to 18 May 2024, at Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan. This program provided hands-on training through eight field modules covering different aspects of water management, including river and environmental functions, water resources, water treatment, land greening, and bioindicators. Several strategic partners, universities, and agencies were involved in implementing this program, including Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (UniSHAMS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Kelantan, and the Kelantan Forestry Department (JPNK).

e) Sustainable Community Program with SK Batu Melintang

On 20 May 2024, students from the Environmental Sustainability Science program enrolled in the Global Sustainability (EKT3183) course, under the supervision of Dr. Nurul Syazana Abdul Halim, organized the Sustainable Community Program with SK Batu Melintang. A total of 30 participants, consisting of Year 5 and Year 6 students along with their teacher, Pn. Mazraihan binti Hilmi, took part in the event.

The program aimed to educate and raise awareness about the importance of environmental sustainability, particularly in promoting responsible water use and conservation within the community. Various engaging activities were conducted, including Explorace, a sustainability-themed quiz, Environmental Box, and creative product-making using recycled materials—all designed to strengthen environmental education and encourage water-conscious behavior among young learners.

f) Field work visit to Perak River Hydropower Station for the Green Technology Course

A field work visits to the Perak River Hydropower Station on 6 June 2024 involved students of the Green Technology course and their lecturers, providing practical exposure to renewable energy and green technology. During the field work, students learned about hydroelectric power generation, turbine and generator operations, and effective water flow management to ensure efficient energy production. This hands-on experience not only reinforced classroom learning but also highlighted the role of water resources in sustainable energy management, supporting UMK’s efforts to provide educational opportunities for local communities to learn about good water and resource management.

g) Credit Mobility Program (Outbound) at Prince of Songkhla University, Pattani Campus

Three FSB students—Ainaa Nabila binti Azimin, Nur Aida Maisarah binti Che Kah, and Nor Aisyah Najwa binti Zulkifli—joined the program under the supervision of Gs. Dr. Amal Najihah Muhamad Nor. Throughout August, they attended courses such as “Coastal Ecology and Conservation” and “Fishery Technology and Innovation,” focusing on sustainable water and marine resource management. They also joined the “Two Earths Friendship Program (Pattani x Selangor)” and visited Rusamilae Beach, strengthening their understanding of water’s role in community livelihoods and environmental sustainability.

h) Beach Cleaning at Port Dickson Beach

A community service activity for beach cleaning was held at Port Dickson Beach on 6 November 2024 in conjunction with the Jelajah Lestari Series 8 Program, involving third-year students from the Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Sustainability Science) program. The activity aimed to promote water sustainability in the community by collecting waste along the shoreline, reducing pollution, and raising awareness of the importance of keeping coastal and marine environments clean for the protection of water ecosystems and community well-being.

i) STI 100³@SciensationBio Program

The STI 100³@SciensationBio Program was held at the Office of Library and Knowledge Management, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, on 6 November 2024 (Wednesday), in collaboration with the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) and supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). Module 5 was conducted by ChM. Dr Nik Raihan conducted the module, which focused on water pollution, water treatment methods, and sustainable water use for primary and secondary school students from the Jeli district in Kelantan.

SUPPORT FOR WATER CONSERVATION BEYOND CAMPUS

UMK hosted an Environmental Sustainability Week (14-18 May 2024), engaging local schools in activities aimed at promoting awareness and action on environmental issues. Programs included workshops, hands-on projects, and competitions focused on sustainable practices such as water conservation, waste reduction, recycling, and renewable energy. This initiative fosters collaboration between UMK and the community while encouraging students to adopt environmentally responsible habits.

USE OF SUSTAINABLE WATER EXTRACTION TECHNOLOGIES ON AND OFF CAMPUS

UMK employs sustainable water extraction technologies on campus, utilizing advanced systems to collect groundwater and rainwater, complemented by filtration and treatment processes, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply while minimizing environmental impact.

COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENTS ON WATER SECURITY

Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) collaborates with various local, regional, national, and international agencies to strengthen water security initiatives. Strategic partners include the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM), the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), the Pasir Puteh Land and District Office, and Prince of Songkla University (Thailand), as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)–International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO-IHP) Malaysia, the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). These collaborations focus on enhancing water resource management, promoting sustainable water use, and advancing research and innovation related to water security.

a) National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) - Courtesy Visit by the Faculty of Earth Science on the 19 September 2024.

The Faculty of Earth Science (FSB), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), conducted a courtesy visit to the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at establishing strategic collaboration in water research, particularly in the areas of rainwater harvesting, microplastic studies, and the advancement of water technology innovations.

b) Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG)

Tube Well and Alternative Water Filtration System Project to Address Water Issues at UMK

This project utilizes in-house technology and expertise, in collaboration with the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), to develop an underground water treatment system

c) Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), UNESCO-International Hydrological Programme (UNESCO-IHP) Malaysia - PROGRAM PERINTIS PRIHATIN SUMBER AIR DAN ALAM SEKITAR (3PSAAS) 2024 ZON PANTAI TIMUR

The PROGRAM PERINTIS PRIHATIN SUMBER AIR DAN ALAM SEKITAR (3PSAAS) 2024 ZON PANTAI TIMUR was conducted over three days, from 16 to 18 May 2024, at Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan. This program provided hands-on training through eight field modules covering different aspects of water management, including river and environmental functions, water resources, water treatment, land greening, and bioindicators. Several strategic partners, universities, and agencies were involved in implementing this program, including Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah (UniSHAMS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPj), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Kelantan, and the Kelantan Forestry Department (JPNK).

d) Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus (PSU)- Credit mobility

A total of three FSB students participated in the program: Ainaa Nabila binti Azimin, Nur Aida Maisarah binti Che Kah, and Nor Aisyah Najwa binti Zulkifli, under the supervision of the FSB Mobility Coordinator, Gs. Dr. Amal Najihah Muhamad Nor. Throughout August, the students attended several courses such as “Thai Language is Your Language,” “Coastal Ecology and Conservation,” and “Fishery Technology and Innovation.” They participated in lectures, submitted assignments, and sat for examinations. The students also took part in engaging activities such as the “Two Earths Friendship Program (Pattani x Selangor),” which introduced local cuisine and showcased Pattani’s cultural performances, as well as a visit to Rusamilae Beach. The program also emphasized community engagement related to water sustainability and marine conservation, where students learned about the ecological importance of coastal and aquatic ecosystems, as well as sustainable practices in fisheries and local livelihoods. In addition, they joined “The Night of Cultures” organized by the Faculty of Education, PSU, which featured participation from students of Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA).

e) Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Kelantan together with the Kelantan State Forestry Department - Wetland Scientific Expedition

The Scientific Expedition was held from 5 to 9 May 2024, with the Pasir Puteh Land and District Office as the main organizer and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN) Kelantan together with the Kelantan State Forestry Department as co-organizers. They collaborated with the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) in successfully conducting this scientific expedition within the Melaleuca (gelam) forest ecosystem.

This expedition also reflects the commitment to cooperation on water security, as it involved collaboration among local and regional government agencies in studying and conserving wetlands ecosystems. Such partnerships are vital in enhancing understanding of water resources management, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable conservation practices to ensure long-term water security in the region.

f) Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) and supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) - STI 100³@SciensationBio Program

The STI 100³@SciensationBio Program was held at the Office of Library and Knowledge Management, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, on 6 November 2024 (Wednesday), in collaboration with the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) and supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). Module 5 was conducted by ChM. Dr Nik Raihan conducted the module, which focused on water pollution, water treatment methods, and sustainable water use for primary and secondary school students from the Jeli district in Kelantan.

PROMOTION OF CONSCIOUS WATER USAGE ON CAMPUS

UMK has implemented several initiatives to promote sustainability and responsible resource use on campus. These include a water-saving campaign to encourage efficient water use, and a “Bring Your Own Container” initiative to reduce single-use plastics when purchasing food. In addition, a 3R campaign (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) raises awareness about proper waste management. Campaign messages are disseminated through emails, posters, and buntings displayed in the cafeteria, common areas, and toilet facilities to maximize outreach among students and staff.

PROMOTION OF CONSCIOUS WATER USAGE IN THE WIDER COMMUNITY

The PROGRAM PERINTIS PRIHATIN SUMBER AIR DAN ALAM SEKITAR (3PSAAS) 2024 ZON PANTAI TIMUR was conducted over three days, from 16 to 18 May 2024, at Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Bakar, Machang, Kelantan. This program provided hands-on training to communities through eight field modules covering different aspects of water management, including river and environmental functions, water resources, water treatment, land greening, and bioindicators. Through water management training community for example on Modul 5 (Water Sense in daily life) a simple daily practices has been taught to communities so that it can make a big impact. For example, turning off taps while brushing teeth, fixing leaking pipes, collecting rainwater for gardening, and using water-efficient appliances are easy yet effective ways to save water. Communities should also adopt sustainable habits such as reusing greywater and avoiding water pollution by disposing of waste properly.

STI 100³@SciensationBio Program

The STI 100³@SciensationBio Program was held at the Office of Library and Knowledge Management, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, on 6 November 2024 (Wednesday), in collaboration with the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation) and supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). Module 5 was conducted by ChM. Dr Nik Raihan conducted the module, which focused on water pollution, water treatment methods, and sustainable water use for primary and secondary school students from the Jeli district in Kelantan.