We need to take care of our water resources to avoid water crisis, Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Jusoh, Senior Professor at the Faculty of Engineering Technology and Informatics, told an online audience today.

He said we must create an awareness of the importance of water and how valuable it is.

Activities such as uncontrolled logging and housing projects will alter the natural ecosystem, which will in turn affect our water resources.

Professor Ahmad spoke during the Chat wit a Professor Programme Series 3 organized by UMT on 16 June. He was discussing the topic “Water Management according to Islam”. The event was streamed online and could be viewed through Webex and Facebook Live.

He said water is an important element not only in our lives, but in the lives of other living creatures on earth. Yet, we do not have regards for water, using it for our benefits without consideration towards other lives around us.  

Water is also important in several sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, fisheries, and in generating electricity.

Among our responsibilities as users of water is to save it, he said.  

Professor Ahmad’s research interest is water and wastewater treatment technology.

One of his suggestions is to optimize rainwater. “Rainwater can be used to water plants in the yard and wash the cars.”

“We can also use Sub Surface Filtration System (SSFS), which I do myself at home,” he said. “We can treat the water from the septic tank for use around the house, and it has been working for me for 20 years.”

Professor Ahmad recounted a project several years ago to turn seawater into freshwater at Pantai Senok, Bachok, for use by the local residents.

“We worked together with a few agencies and we were able to produce freshwater by removing dissolved salt from the seawater taken at the beach. Around 3000 residents were able to use the freshwater, which would eventually boost the local economy, with more food stall opening and operating,” he said.

Published by:

Corporate Communication Centre
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu