USM PENANG, 16 May 2026 - Approximately 1,260 participants from various walks of life and age groups joined the lively Water Fun Run 2026 programme held at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) ‘Padang Kawad’, in conjunction with the World Water Day 2026 celebration.

The programme was organised with one of its main focuses being to increase public awareness of the importance of water conservation and sustainable water use.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the programme, along with the involvement of strategic agencies and collaborative partners in efforts to strengthen the national water sustainability agenda.

In his officiating speech, Chow Kon Yeow said Penang must continue to move forward through various state government efforts to drive more rapid socioeconomic development, including ensuring that the safety and sustainability of water resources remain sustainable in the Pearl of the Orient.

"The state government, together with the Federal Government and Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn. Bhd. (PBAPP), continues to work together in managing the state's water resources more effectively to ensure that the people would continue to receive quality and sustainable water supply," he said.

He also stated that billions of ringgit have been allocated to strengthen Penang's water structures and infrastructure by 2030 in preparation for rising demand and future challenges.

"The state government is also always prepared to face the possibility of a water supply crisis caused by climate change and other unforeseen factors," he added.

He also stressed that consumers play an important role in ensuring water sustainability through prudent use in daily life.

At the same time, Chow Kon Yeow congratulated USM, particularly the Main Campus and other campuses, on their success in recording water-use savings.

"My highest appreciation goes to all parties, especially USM, strategic partners, and participants who have given their support in making the Water Fun Run 2026 celebration a success," he said.

At the same ceremony, representing the USM Vice-Chancellor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Industry and Community Network, Professor Dr. Azlan Amran, said the World Water Day celebration is not merely an annual event, but an important platform for strengthening awareness that water is a strategic resource that determines the continuity of life, economic development, and community well-being.

"Faced with an increasingly challenging global landscape, water issues are now closely linked to climate change, pressure on natural resources, and the need to ensure future water security," he said.

Azlan also stated that higher education institutions such as USM also bear a major responsibility in shaping public awareness of sustainable water use.

"USM's continuous commitment to water management has yielded results, with the university's water consumption successfully reduced by 4.07 per cent in 2024 compared with the previous year, and further strengthened by a 7.5 per cent reduction at the Main Campus in 2025.

"Water sustainability is no longer an option, but a necessity that demands immediate and continuous action. Every drop of water must be valued and managed sustainably for our shared future," he said.

This year's Water Fun Run programme was jointly organised by the Community Service Programme, USM Co-Curricular Programme Centre, and the Development Planning and Management Club, in collaboration with Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn. Bhd. and Water Watch Penang.

Also present at the programme were Chief Executive Officer of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn. Bhd., Dato' Ir. Pathmanathan K.; President of Water Watch Penang, Emeritus Professor Dato' Dr. Chan Ngai Weng; Board Member of PBA Holdings Berhad, Dato' Ir. Sabri Abdul Mulok; Director of the Northern Region National Water Services Commission, Ts. Khithob Ahmad; Secretary of the Penang Water Regulatory Division, Najwa Juaini Azmi; and Joint Project Directors of World Water Day: Water Fun Run 2026, Nurain Izzati Azlal and Syahir Safaraz Salleh.

Original Text: Mohd Azrul Mohd Azhar/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa