WATER services industry stakeholders have to focus on the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework to raise the standard of water management in Malaysia, said National Water Services Commission chairman Charles Santiago.

Santiago said the ESG framework could be used to sustainably manage the resource, which would benefit the water sector.

“By incorporating ESG practices into the service providers’ business and work plans, I believe we can better manage and adapt to the challenges of water management while driving sustainable growth and positive impacts on society,” Santiago said during his keynote speech at the “Rising To The Water Regulatory Challenge and Future Changes” forum in Putrajaya yesterday.

“Water conservation, including zero-emission targets and social standards, integrity and corruption efforts, can be brought under the ESG rubric,” he said.

Santiago said the commission has committed to several climate pledges and has started initiatives to adopt ESG practices.

This included the digitalisation licence and permit applications; establishing an online complaints system; minimising water use by installing more efficient taps at office washrooms, pantries and surau; and implementing an integrity framework in workplaces via the Anti-Bribery Management System certification.

He said the certification was testament to the commission’s commitment to the highest level of integrity and ethics in its day-to-day operations.

The former Klang lawmaker also said the commission established an ESG unit under its Strategic Department.

“The purpose of the unit is to create awareness, build capacity and develop a framework for the industry,” he said.

He said the commission was planning to compile an annual sustainability report based on the Global Reporting Initiative standard.

Santiago said its challenge was to continually provide access to safe, reliable and affordable water.

He said industry players need to be resilient and adaptable to extreme weather patterns.

“We need to protect our waterways from pollution and we have to look for new sources of water.

“All of this requires an all-of-government and all-of-society approach.

“I believe all these elements can be captured in the context of an ESG framework,” he said, adding that industry players should continue working together towards sustainable water solutions and to raise awareness about sustainable water management. – September 27, 2023.