River Revival: Engineering Innovation and Awareness Initiative

The Civil Engineering – Learn & Apply (CeLEAP) program was organised by f inal year students of Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours to raise awareness on river rehabilitation. Sponsored by NMH Consult, CeLEAP’s participation includes Form 4 Science Stream students from SMK Seksyen 9, Shah Alam, aimed to enhance their understanding of the technologies. The program featured a talk session by UiTM alumna, Norfaezah Shamsudin, Project Manager at Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd, that highlighted several issues like the causes of river pollution, the Selangor Maritim Gateway project, and the need for immediate action on excessive solid waste in Klang River. Another segment of the program featured a competition for the students with mentoring from Ir Dr Suzana Ramli, Senior Lecturer from the School of Civil Engineering, to assist in the filtration system design that will produce clear water from a soil-contaminated sample. These activities focused on river restoration and filter design to improve water quality and access with potential innovative solutions. Students were also exposed to practical knowledge and engineering skills to solve real-world problems, demonstrating civil engineering students dedication to environmental sustainability and innovation./p>

https://news.uitm.edu.my/transforming-rivers-and-inspiring-innovation-celeaps-river-restoration-and-filter-design-event-leaves-a-lasting-impression-on-science-stream-students-at-smk-seksyen-9-shah-alam/

Clean Water Innovation for Sustainable Engineering

The ‘Harnessing Sustainability towards Engineering Technology’ program was organised by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia and Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi Pekanbaru, Indonesia to improve the water quality for daily use at Masjid Nurul Jannah. Sponsored by Yayasan Vfive and supported by Harista Karsa Mandiri, 20 students and 5 lecturers from the College of Engineering spearheaded the program with the purpose of installing a water filter system for efficient water purification while ensuring clean and odourless water for the mosque. The program achieved significant milestones in academic, social collaboration and community impact by exemplifying the paramountcy of providing clean water and encouraging other industries to adopt effective air filtration systems. An academic based program involving students and academics to solve real-world problems seemingly enhanced their knowledge and developed practical skills in sustainability and engineering.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/college-of-engineering-uitms-international-sulam-program-empowers-sustainability-purifying-water-at-masjid-nurul-jannah-indonesia/%20/

Enhancing Water Quality through EM Mudballs: A Sustainable Campus Initiative at UiTM Perak

The ‘Mudball Clean Water @ Campus’ initiative held at UiTM Perak Branch is a key component of the Festival Kelestarian Kampus Hijau (FKKH) UiTM 2023 Sustainability Warrior/Green Marvel program. The use of Effective Microorganism (EM) mudball is to enhance water quality and promote sustainable practices for water resource conservation. Mudballs are made of kitchen waste coconut dregs, soil and EM solution from fermented kitchen scraps, brown sugar, and water. The initiative attracted over 120 participants, featuring several activities like water sample collection, the introduction of 300 EM mudballs into the campus lake, and a joint knowledge–sharing session with the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS). The initiative enabled students to engage in pragmatic sustainable practices and research to improve water quality for local and university residents.

Mini Water Treatment Plant: A Contingency Plan for the Indigenous People of Kampung Royal Klewang

A group of Chemical Engineering Studies researchers from UiTM Shah Alam and Perak Branch has successfully installed a mini water treatment plant for the Jahai indigenous tribe in Kampung Klewang, Tasik Temenggor Royal Belum, Perak. Present at the Mini Water Filter Plant installation was the State Parks’ Officers, the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA) Perak, and Tok Batin Orang Asli Kampung Klewang. The research on sand based water filtration systems was funded by the university (internal grant), My Starfish Foundation and in collaboration with JAKOA and the Perak State Park Corporation. The filter system treats natural water sources to provide clean water supplies and improve the water cleanliness level (from Class III to Class II water) to be safe enough for drinking and daily use. Each mini water filter unit installed holds a capacity of 300 litres that can accommodate up to 250 residents. A collected water sample will undergo quality analysis and monitoring three times within four months after installation.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/orang-asli-kampung-klewang-royal-belum-telah-menerima-loji-rawatan-air-mini/

Innovative Materials for Efficient Water Purification

A new technology to improve membrane distillation (MD) to produce clean water is being developed by UiTM researchers to tackle its efficiency issues pertaining temperature polarisation (ineffective membrane caused by water evaporation as it cools down), and fouling (clogging from unwanted materials) by using special materials combination of MoS2 and TiO2 that helps the membrane to stay warm. This innovating water purification process tests the new materials efficiency in enhancing the membrane’s performance on water flow and salt removal.

Enhancing River Health: Smart Water Management for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems

UiTM researchers initiated an environmental flow (EF) project to ensure sufficient river water flow for aquatic life health and maintain river health caused by water conditions, particularly during droughts. Malaysia’s shortcomings in coordinated strategy for dam release management could lead to poor water quality. The initiative will predict water quality changes through historical data and an advanced simulation model (quality changes due to different dam releases and pollution scenarios) to assist authorities’ decisions in protecting the river ecosystems. Aligned with Malaysia’s Smart Technology and Systems initiatives, the project provides a more efficient and responsive approach to water and river management practices to increase the aquatic environment resilience level.

Tackling Antibiotic Contamination: An Innovative Approach to Ensuring Clean Water

To prevent antibiotic-resistant bacteria contamination, a rapid and efficient method known as micro-solid phase extraction (micro-SPE) was developed by a UiTM-led research team to detect and remove tetracycline antibiotics in wastewater that could potentially risk public health. Comprised of advanced nanocomposites using polypyrrole and graphene oxide (PPy-GO) for enhanced tetracyclines separation, Micro SPE will be optimised and validated for use with liquid chromatography to accurately detect antibiotics in water samples. This efficient method to extract harmful water contaminants will provide safer water for all and promote sustainable water management practices.

Junior Science Camp – Fulbright Engagement: Building Bridges with Water Quality

Organised by the School of Electrical Engineering, the School of Civil Engineering, the Academy of Language Studies, and the Electrical Engineering Student Association from UiTM Pulau Pinang Branch, the Junior Science Camp (JSC) 2023 bridged stronger ties between the university and local community with water quality awareness.

The three-day program includes an ice-breaking session, data analysis and report presentation by academics and students, a discussion session with Fulbright scholarship recipients, and water quality experimentation report presentation competition. The camp benefited both the university members and the community while driving STEM education in a better direction.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park Coastal Conservation Initiative

The UiTM Faculty of Dentistry, in collaboration with the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Malaysian Dental Association (MDA), organised a CSR Beach Clean-Up Project along the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park’s coastline. The project aimed to conserve coastal areas and promote a clean and healthy environment by reducing waste pollution (plastic bottles, polystyrene, etc.), creating awareness and cooperation among the community while exposing the participants to environmental preservation issues. The CSR clean-up project is essential in preserving the health and sustainable water supplies within the coastal areas while safeguarding a pristine environment to mitigate water contamination and uphold excellent water systems. It also fostered community cohesion and improved the region’s life quality through collaboration between participants and the community.

https://news.uitm.edu.my/program-khidmat-masyarakat-kilim-karst-geoforest-park-beach-clean-up-anjuran-fakulti-pergigian-uitm-sungai-buloh-dengan-kerjasama-lembaga-pembangunan-langkawi-lada-dan-malaysian-dental-association/

Water Sustainability: Achieving a Greener Future

The Water Sustainability: Achieving a Greener Future program aims to boost creativity, innovation and education among Pusat Jagaan Cahaya Kasih Bestari residents. The program is in collaboration with the Water Resources Management and Hydrology Division, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia, focused on awareness about efficient rainwater collection, proper water filtration, tree role in water storage and river conservation. The knowledge-sharing session emphasised on rainwater harvesting, promoting environmental consciousness, and encouraging effective water usage and resource conservation practices. By educating and involving the community in sustainable water practices, the program fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment that will ensure everlasting well-being.

https://engineering.uitm.edu.my/civil/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=501

UiTM’s Rainwater Harvesting System Initiative

UiTM initiated its commitment to sustainability and responsible water management by launching its Rainwater Harvesting System in 2015 with a significant number and type of rainwater harvesting tanks installed on campus. The initiative began with the traditional harvesting tanks that filter and store rainwater for plant irrigation before expanding it to underground tanks on campus. Two more rainwater harvesting tanks will be installed next to the public toilets of the Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor (DATC) and SUKSIS buildings with a capacity of 1200 litres and 400 gallons respectively, to provide ample rainwater storage space and optimise the use of rainwater for cleaning, irrigation and domestic purposes. The system allowed a more responsible method for storing rainwater to help conserve water, reducing excessive water bills and raising awareness on water conservation and sustainability while serving as a beacon for environmental responsibility and responsible resource usage within the university community.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361673454_ Intelligent_water_flow_monitoring_system_based_on_internet_ of_things_for_residential_pipeline

Coastal Conservation and Community Engagement Program

The UiTM Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Policy Studies, in collaboration with UiTM ICAN, various private and government agencies, and environmental organisations, organised a comprehensive beach cleaning program at Pantai Cahaya Negeri, Port Dickson, to enhance the conservation and preservation of coastal areas while fostering social responsibility. With approximately 200 participants, the activities include beach cleaning, urban farming workshops, and environmental exhibitions designed to raise awareness of environmental preservation in coastal regions and encourage stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices through collective community efforts. The program exemplifies effective governance and operational practices in managing community-based environmental initiatives, demonstrating ways for improvements through collaborative efforts in coastal conservation and public engagement

https://news.uitm.edu.my/program-beach-cleaning-pd-2023- pembersihan-pantai-cahaya-negeri-di-port-dickson/