Sabah, Malaysia owned Jetama Sdn Bhd is launching a pilot project to bring clean drinking water to three remote villages in the state using solar-powered nano-filtration systems. The villages benefiting are Kampung Pulau Berhala in Sandakan, Kampung Tanjung Batu in Sukau, and Kampung Paris in Kinabatangan.
The system works by using solar panels to generate electricity, which powers the water treatment units. The units use a nano-filtration process, which filters out harmful contaminants such as bacteria and other impurities, providing clean drinking water for up to 5,000 residents per village. This filtration method ensures safe water without the need for chemicals, making it suitable for remote locations without access to traditional treatment plants.
Jetama’s chairman, Liau Fui Fui, emphasized the system’s benefits, highlighting its reliance on solar energy, which makes it eco-friendly and cost-effective. Once installed, the system operates with minimal ongoing costs since it runs on sunlight and doesn’t require additional energy sources.
Liau also mentioned plans to extend the project to seven more villages. The initiative is part of the state government’s efforts to improve access to clean water in off-grid and disaster-prone areas.
These details were shared during the Sabah International Blue Economy Conference 2024 (SIBEC 2024). The event was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Jetama’s CEO, Datuk Ahmad Naim Uddang, also present.
Jetama Sdn Bhd, fully owned by the Sabah government through Kota Kinabalu Waters Sdn Bhd, oversees the production and supply of treated water for Kota Kinabalu and nearby districts. The introduction of these solar-powered nano-filtration systems aims to provide a sustainable solution to the ongoing challenge of clean water access in remote areas.
