PENANG’S latest Malaysia Book of Records achievement is not just about setting a record, but about demonstrating how waste can be transformed into valuable resources through innovation, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the recognition of Alam Aliran Kualiti (M) Sdn Bhd for having the ‘Largest Belt Press System Dewatering Plant’ represented a bigger commitment towards sustainable water management and the circular economy.
“What impresses me is not the record itself, but what it represents,” he said at the Malaysia Book of Records Award Presentation Ceremony to Alam Aliran Kualiti (AAK) at St Giles Wembley Hotel today.
He said water treatment plants produced large amounts of residual materials daily, which traditionally ended up in landfills.
“Here at Sungai Dua, they are recovered, treated, and transformed into Eco Green Cement Bricks. Something that was once considered waste is now a useful building material.
“That is innovation with real value. It reduces waste, conserves natural resources, and creates new economic value through the circular economy,” he said.
Chow said the Sungai Dua facility was capable of managing up to 10 million litres of water treatment residuals daily while handling around 450 metric tonnes of alum sludge.
At the same time, treated water was recovered and channelled back into the treatment process, reducing water losses and strengthening Penang’s long-term water security, he added.
Chow said the initiative reflected the objectives of the Penang2030 Vision, which aims to make Penang a family-focused, green and smart state that inspires the nation.
“This means embracing innovation, using our resources responsibly, and turning environmental challenges into opportunities,” he said.
“Projects like this show that sustainability is not just good for the environment. It also creates economic value, supports innovation, and improves the quality of life for our people.”
Chow also commended Alam Aliran Kualiti CEO Datuk Balan Agambram and the company’s team for their vision, commitment and leadership in sustainable water management.
Speaking on behalf of AAK, its director Gokulaan Balan said receiving the MBOR recognition was not the destination of its journey, but merely the beginning of a greater responsibility.
He said the award has inspired the company to continue innovating, pursue engineering excellence and strengthen its commitment towards environmental sustainability for the benefit of the nation.
“To us, waste is not the end of a process — it is the beginning of a new opportunity. This philosophy continues to drive our commitment towards creating Zero Waste Solutions that benefit both industry and the environment,” he said.
Former Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer and Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa, who was also present, recalled that PBAPP signed an agreement with AAK on Nov 2, 2022, to manage the residue produced from the water treatment process.
He noted that PBAPP had invited stakeholders, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and water operators to visit AAK’s brick factory during a seminar held in Penang earlier this month to showcase how the residue management initiative could be replicated in other states.
He added that the approach offered numerous benefits, including reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource management.
National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) president Datuk Seri Gobalakrishnan Nagapan commended AAK for being a trusted environmental solutions provider.
He also praised Chow and the state government for signing a landmark water deal with Perak to secure water supply for Penang for 40 years, from 2032 to 2072.
Also present at the MBOR award ceremony were state executive councillor for Housing and Environment Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, AAK chief executive officer Datuk Balan Agambram, MBR chief executive officer Datuk Christopher Wong, and AAK directors Pavethiran Balan and Kiithen Balan.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat