PENANG, 12 July 2013 – The water conservation project jointly undertaken by Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd (PBA) managed to help USM save a total of RM178,000 for the first six months of 2013.

The USM Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Dr. Omar Osman told reporters this after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between USM and the PBA.

This conservation project, an effort towards sustainability of water supply until 2050 starting with three USM hostels, namely Restu, Saujana and Tekun (RST), is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

"Since its implementation in February 2011, the monetary savings are the result of the conversion of its water tariff rate from Tariff 3 (business/trade) to Tariff 1 (domestic). USM will update the tariffs of over 400 buildings in all its three campuses besides the six RST buildings based on the criteria provided by the PBA," said Omar.

This project benefits not only in terms of tariff savings but also in terms of the amount saved which can be channeled to education projects which can bring long-term benefits to the university.

"The problem of water conservation should be seen not only in terms of technology and methods, but it should also raise awareness among consumers that every one of us who use water are contributing to the cost of water itself, and USM aims to save at least 40 per cent of water consumption upon the completion of the project," added Omar.

Meanwhile, PBA General Manager, Ir. Jaseni Maidinsa, who is also a USM alumni, hopes that this collaboration will enhance the cooperation between both parties in exploring opportunities to promote, support and strengthen the development of research on Water Demand Management (WDM).

"Through this pilot project currently being implemented at RST, PBA hopes that it can also be applied throughout USM main campus in the future in cultivating a water-saving culture among undergraduates who would one day become community leaders after they leave the university," said Jaseni.

"It is hoped that this MoU would define a new chapter in our efforts to create a generation that conserve water, while embracing the water-saving culture in their everyday lives," added Jaseni.

Also present were the Dean of the School of Humanities, Associate Professor Dr. Hajar Abdul Rahim; the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs and Networking) of the School of Humanities who is also the head of the project, Professor Dr. Chan Ngai Weng; USM Institutional Development Division Director, Professor Dr. Badaruddin Mohamed and also the PBA Corporate Affairs Manager, Ir. K. Jeyabalan. -- Text: Siti Faizah Abdul Halim/Photo: Mohd. Fairus Md. Isa/Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe