KUALA LUMPUR: The Netherlands expressed its keen interest in further enhancing cooperation with Malaysia in water management and enhancing the circular economy.
The Netherlands ambassador to Malaysia, Jacques Werner, said Malaysia is a country that has embraced and developed a speciality within the water management sector. The Netherlands look forward to engaging Malaysia in finding feasible solutions for water-related issues.
"I think water has been part of global issues relating to climate change in the past decade, and it has been a challenge for both of our countries.
"As a country located largely below sea level, the Netherlands had to learn about how to deal with water the hard way. This has led us to develop our water management expertise and knowledge, which we would like to share with Malaysia on mitigating floods and clean water issues.
"This could be the new basis for our water cooperation. A team of Dutch experts have relayed strategies and advice to the Malaysian government relating to flood management and we are now looking forward to following up on this," he said.
Werner said the Dutch Risk Reduction team has prepared a report to support the Malaysian government in developing a flood risk management strategy.
The report was given to the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, during last year's Asia Water conference here.
Werner pointed out that several states, such as Johor, Selangor, Sarawak and Perak, have contacted the embassy to explore the potential collaboration and discuss water and flood-related issues.
As for the waste issue, the Netherlands is also seeking to share its expertise in establishing and developing a circular economy with Malaysia.
"A circular economy means that all resources are reused, meaning that when it is complete, there will be no waste and less pressure on natural resources.
"As we have a target of becoming a fully circular economy by 2050, the Netherlands has already started the process in various sectors and with that, we have sectoral approaches for circular economy such as agriculture, construction and technology," he said.
Apart from sharing the country's knowledge and expertise, Werner said the Netherlands is also curious to learn about different circumstances here, especially about climate and energy challenges that Malaysia faces.