Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad wins big at Asian Water Awards

It has defined three distinctive methodologies to highlight its capabilities in delivering water infrastructure development in Malaysia.

Malaysia’s Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) garners two category wins at the Asian Water Awards for its multi-faceted business model encompassing three distinctive methodologies that ensures sustainable deliveries of water infrastructure development for the country.

These methodologies include the Migration of existing assets, Develop Water Asset, and Non-Revenue Water (NRW) financing.

The Migration approach involves the seamless transition of financial obligations. PAAB assumes all federal government water infrastructure loans previously held by state governments. This is coupled with PAAB's acquisition of State Government’s water assets equal in value to federal loans owed by state governments related to water and commercial debts.

PAAB serves as a conduit to ensure the settlement of federal loan obligations directly with the Ministry of Finance, fostering financial clarity and efficiency.

Meanwhile, the Develop Water Asset methodology enables state water operators (SWO) to leverage the advantages of migrated loans. Once loans are successfully transferred to PAAB, they gain the opportunity to utilise PAAB’s fund to develop water assets based on pre-approved business plans that align with the needs of SWO.

Through the implementation of this model, SWOs can focus their endeavors on providing exemplary services to the community, whilst PAAB dedicates its efforts to the progression of water infrastructure development to the nation.

Lastly, the NRW financing allows PAAB to offer a short-term loan scheme that empowers SWO to undertake NRW reduction programmes. This scheme provides crucial financial resources to support strategies aimed at minimising water losses, optimising operational efficiency, and closing the gap between SWO's operational expenses and capital expenditures.

Through these methodologies, as of December 2022 PAAB has completed 1846 million liters per day capacity of water treatment plants, highlighting a significant enhancement in water treatment capacity and ensuring access to clean and safe water for a growing population.

It has also led PAAB to embody innovation and sustainability in addressing Malaysia’s water challenges. A notable example of this feat is the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant Phase 1 Project, which exemplifies the company’s commitment to engineering excellence, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.

The project has delivered a substantial 1130 million liters per day (MLD) of treated water, resolving water disruption challenges faced by approximately 8.3 million consumers, especially in the Klang Valley.

“Through its unique methodologies, comprehensive projects, and dedication to sustainable solutions, PAAB continues to play a pivotal role in elevating Malaysia's water infrastructure and security,” the company said.

As of December 2022, PAAB's contributions are noteworthy, having completed water infrastructure projects valued at MYR4.25b. This commitment to progress is ongoing, with MYR2.31b worth of projects currently under construction, and an additional MYR3.64b worth of projects in various design and tendering stages.

The company brought home the Collaborative Water Initiative of the Year - Malaysia and the Water Technology Excellence Award (Water Resource Management) Malaysia category wins in the coveted awards programme.

The Asian Water Awards celebrates groundbreaking innovations in water management throughout Asia.

The Asian Water Awards is presented by Asian Power Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2024 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's revolutionary innovations and initiatives in the water industry in Asia, please contact Danica Avila at [email protected].