Beyond2020 provides clean water to 10,000 Malaysian

Beyond2020, the UAE-led humanitarian initiative, continues its global impact with the installation of water filters in 25 communities along the Rajang River in Sabah and Sarawak.

This initiative, launched by the Zayed Sustainability Prize, has partnered with Wateroam to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly water filtration solutions.

The project aims to tackle water challenges faced by vulnerable populations, marking the 17th deployment of Beyond2020. In Malaysia, the deployment focuses on enhancing water security and promoting economic prosperity, aligning with the country’s commitment to improving water and sanitation systems.

Contributing to Malaysia’s water vision

In response to the pressing water challenges in Malaysia, Beyond2020 has successfully installed water filters benefiting 10,000 people in the Sabah and Sarawak regions.

Despite Malaysia’s abundant water resources, factors such as population growth, urbanization, and industrialization have strained water supplies. The environmentally friendly filters deployed aim to relieve these pressures and contribute to Malaysia’s national water vision.

The initiative, a collaboration between Beyond2020, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, BNP Paribas, Mubadala Energy, and Masdar, underscores the UAE’s commitment to humanitarianism and sustainable development.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, emphasises the critical link between water and climate change, highlighting the potential of water innovations to uplift communities and foster economic prosperity.

Beyond2020: Life-transforming interventions

Communities along the Rajang River in Sabah and Sarawak, traditionally reliant on surface water for drinking, now benefit from Beyond2020’s water interventions.

Villagers faced health issues due to the lack of proper water treatment technology, resulting in waterborne parasites. Children, women, and the elderly were particularly vulnerable, experiencing health problems like diarrhea and dysentery.

In collaboration with Wateroam, a social enterprise specializing in portable water filtration systems, Beyond2020 deployed two distinct filters – the CommfilterTM Plus for households and communities and the ROAMfilterTM Ultra for larger communities.

Both filters, removing over 99% of bacteria and viruses, operate using natural gravity flows or low wattage pumps, requiring minimal electricity. The sustainable and easy-to-maintain filters provide a long-term solution for clean and safe drinking water, empowering locals to manage their water resources effectively.

The Beyond2020 initiative’s deployment of water filters in Malaysia signifies a significant step towards achieving water security and promoting sustainable development. The collaboration with Wateroam and the utilization of advanced filtration systems demonstrate a commitment to providing tangible solutions to pressing global challenges.