Wangsa Melawati, January 16^th, 2018 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in collaboration with Green Community, Masjid Al-Mutaqqin Committee and DBKL has launched the ‘Rainwater System Harvesting Installation Project at Masjid Al-Muttaqin’ in Al-Muttaqin Community Hall. The launch of this project was officiated by YBhg. Datuk Hamdan Bin Mohd. Yusof, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Penduduk Wangsa Maju. Also present was Prof. Dr. Shamsul bin Sahibudin, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Campus.

In reinforcing university strategic thrust which is ‘Outstanding Contribution to Society’, UTM expertise is leveraged in order to meet the community needs. Rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) at Masjid Al Muttaqin was requested by Masjid committee is also supporting government water saving campaign. According to the head of the project, Dr. Aznah Nor Anuar from the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology, UTM Kuala Lumpur Campus, this project also aims to educate the community on sustainable water management as well as provide university students with the opportunity to assist the community with the knowledge they have learnt. The project had received funding from the NBOS Unit, Planning, Policy Planning and Coordination Division, Ministry of Higher Education.

The ceremony started with a talk on ‘Sustainable Water Management from Perspective of Islam’ delivered by Dr. Muhammad Fathi bin Yusof, Research Fellow (Law and Constitution) at Centre of Research for Fiqh, Science and Technology (CFiRST) UTM. Then it was followed by short briefing and video show about the project by Head of the team. In his speech, YBhg. Datuk Hamdan congratulated the committee involved and hoped that the programme would be a pioneer and aspiration to the local community to save on tap water use and be able to build the same system in their respective areas. He also stated that the linkages between the university and the community are also important to ensure project carried out is impactful and beneficial to the people.

Other than the launching event, exhibition booth on RWHS were opened and participated by private companies such as Auralite (M) Sdn. Bhd and I-Control Solutions (M) Sdn. Bhd, as well as related agencies namely the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to provide information about importance and benefits of RWHS.

A total of 200 guests were present at the event including the heads of neighbouring masjid, community leaders, NGOs, lecturers, teachers, university students, colleges and schools as well as local communities. The ceremony ended at 12.00 noon.