Web hosting Custom Email SiteBuilder

WATER WATCH ACTIVITIES 1998/99

(i) PUBLICATION OF WATER WORKBOOK ‘Water Watch: A Community Action Guide’ – 18 June 1998

This book was published jointly with the Asia-Pacific People’s Environment Network (APPEN) under the advice of Water Watch Asia (with WWP as the secretariat in Penang). The book was launched on 18 June 1998 at the Chief Minister of Penang YAB Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon’s office on Level 28, KOMTAR Penang. The book is a manual for civic participation and monitoring in the Asia Pacific Region.

(ii) INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP "FROM UNDERSTANDING TO ACTION", 24 - 25 SEPTEMBER 1998, GLAND, SWITZERLAND.

Dr Chan Ngai Weng represented WWP at this workshop for water-related NGOs and presented a paper titled Water Watch Penang: The Role of NGOs in the Management and Conservation of Water Resources in Penang. Sponsored by Convention on Wetlands, Ramsar, Iran, 1971. There were about 50 participants in this workshop, mostly NGOs but a significant number of UN staff. The benefits of this workshop are:
* Networking with other NGOs, particularly foreign ones.
* Funding options.
* Learning from one another.
* Projecting WWP internationally, e.g. with RAMSAR, IUCN, UNESCO, WWF etc.
* Promoting Penang internationally.
* Awarenes of happenings and new developments.

(iii) CARING FOR OUR RIVERS CAMPAIGN - 13 MARCH 1999, 4.00 - 5.00 PM, LOT B-1-13, KOMPLEKS MASYARAKAT PENYAYANG, JALAN UTAMA, PENANG.

This is part of WWP's continuous education programme to instil awareness and love for our rivers. It is organised jointly with the Malaysian Nature Society (Penang Branch). The event was well received as about 20 participants with ages ranging from 3 to 60 took part. The president led the group in the "River Walk" along the banks of the Sg Air Terjun behind the Kompleks Penyayang (Photograph 1). The group was instructed on the importance of water conservation and hence the need to keep our rivers clean. The group was then treated to some basic water monitoring exercises where participants conducted themselves in the river. The kids as well as adults enjoyed this exercise tremendously. The objective is to get one school to adopt a river or part/section of a river and monitor the "Health" of the river via simple indicators such as the physical characteristics (velocity and discharge, cross-section area of river channel, temperature, colour, turbidity, presence of rubbish, smell/odour, flowing or stagnant water), the biological characteristics (presence of aquatic weeds, fish, and other aquatic wildlife) and the chemical characteristics (pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Conductivity). Because participants actually get into the river to perform various tasks, they really enjoyed themselves. Hence there is potential in this sort of activity. WWP will plan for more river walks in future and get more schools involved.

        
(iv) Protecting and Managing Fresh Water. Capacity Building Seminars on Critical Issues in the Urban Environment, 28 November 1998, Pusat Pengembangan Sumber Manusia Majlis Perbandaran Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.


(a) WWP president presented the Keynote Paper titled From Rain to Drain and Back Again in the above seminar. Sponsored by Environment Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM) and Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development (DANCED). There are about 100 participants in this seminar.]

(b) WWP president presented the Concluding Paper titled Community Response to Water Issues in the above seminar. Sponsored by Environment Protection Society Malaysia (EPSM) and Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development (DANCED). There are about 100 participants in this seminar.


(v) LETTERS AND ARTICLES IN JOURNALS, MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

WWP has from time to time published educational and awareness articles in local newspapers in line with its objective to educate the masses and to create a water saving society. Millions must have read the articles. WWP received many calls seeking advice and other matters relating to water saving. The following are the articles published:
  
* Chan N W 1998 Ways to control water resources. The Star, 27 May 1998, p. 18.

* Chan N W 1998 Water: A Neglected and Mismanaged Resource. Utusan Konsumer 28 (7), June, p. 12-13.

* Chan N W 1998 How To Cut Water Usage By 20 %. Sun 29 June, 1998, p. 18.

* Chan N W 1998 Alert on our water levels. The Star 29 July 1998, North, p. 1, 8.

* Chan N W 1998 Priceless water not valued. The Star 29 July 1998, North, p. 6, 7.

* Chan N W 1998 Water: Too cheap to prompt people to save. The Star 29 July 1998, North, p. 2, 3.

* Chan N W 1998 Belum is more than just a forest reserve. The Sun 12 November 1998, p. 16.

* Ganesh Rasagam and Chan N W 1999 The Role Of Non-Governmental Organisations in Public Awareness and Environmental Education Towards Protection, Conservation and Rehabilitation of Rivers: Some Examples From The Work of Water Watch Penang. Book of Abstracts of the National Conference on Rivers ’99: Towards Sustainable Development, 14-17 October 1999, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, p 39.

* Chan N W 1999 Acid Rain. The Sustainable Penang Initiative: People’s Report of Penang 1999, p. 1.

* Chan N W 1999 Water Consumption and Production. The Sustainable Penang Initiative: People’s Report of Penang 1999, p. 8.

* Chan N W 1999 The Role of Women in Water Conservation in Penang. Suara Wanita, November 1999.

(vi) FORUM ON "THE FUTURE OF WATER SUPPLY AND MANAGEMENT IN THE APEC REGION", 29 APRIL 1999, ACADEMY OF SCIENCES MALAYSIA, KUALA LUMPUR.

WWP was invited to talk on the topic "Water for Nature" in this forum. The presiden has written a paper and will represent WWP in this forum. About 100 participants are expected at this forum.

(vii) EDUCATING THE YOUNG TO LOVE AND MONITOR THE HEALTH OF OUR RIVERS - THE SUNGAI PINANG EXPERIENCE, 15th MAY 1999, 8.00 - 5.00 PM.

This event is similar to the one held at the Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang on the 13th of March 1999. About 30 students from Tanjong Bungah School took part. The students assembled at the Botanical Gardens at 8.00 am. Once again, the president led the group with some help from WWP members. A short briefing about the importance of conserving the cleanliness of our rivers was given by the president, followed by a "River Walk" along the banks of the Sg Air Terjun inside the Botanical gardens. The Ag Air Terjun is a tributary of the Sg Pinang, hence it contributes the headwaters of the Sg Pinang. Students were briefed on the importance of water conservation and hence the need to keep our rivers clean. The group was then taught some basic water monitoring exercises in which they conducted the exercises themselves in the river. WWP hopes that this school will adopt this section of the Sg Air Terjun so that the students will monitor its "Health" by testing simple indicators such as the physical characteristics (velocity and discharge, cross-section area of river channel, temperature, colour, turbidity, presence of rubbish, smell/odour, flowing or stagnant water), the biological characteristics (presence of aquatic weeds, fish, and other aquatic wildlife) and the chemical characteristics (pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Conductivity). When the students had finished their exercises at this location, they were then taken by bus to downstream Sg Pinang (at the Patani Road Bridge). Here, they conducted the same exercises and to their disgust, they found the huge contrast in river cleanliness between the two sites. Many refused to get into the river at the second site! The results of the exercises confirmed the vast difference in the quality of the river at the two different locations . Students could hardly believe their eyes when they saw the amount of rubbish in the river. The president then rounded up with a discussion as to the reasons for the change in water quality and cleanliness. Students were asked to recommend ways and means of cleaning up the second site.

(viii) PEOPLE’S FORUM AT THE CARING SOCIETY COMPLEX, 12 June 1999

WWP President Dr Chan Ngai Weng (assisted by Selvi Nagaswari) presented the Annual WWP Report on our activities to the Chief Minister and all the people of Penang. It was at this forum that the Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon announced the PBAPP Sdn Bhd’s funding of RM50,000.00 to WWP).

Photograph 5: The Chief Minsiter Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon speaking at the people’s Forum.
(ix) WWP ANNUAL AGM – 12 JUNE 1999, CARING SOCIETY COMPLEX

In conjunction with the People’s Forum, WWP held its Annual AGM at the same venue between 12.30 noon to 2.00 pm as most of our members were present at the forum. A total of 18 out of 24 members were present. The President Dr Chan Ngai Weng presented the Annual Activities and overall report of WWP. The Treasurer Mrs. Selvi Nagaswari presented the Annual Accounts. Both reports were unanimously accepted and passed. During the elections of office bearers, the following were elected into the various positions:

President: Dr Chan Ngai Weng
Secretary: Mrs. Selvi Nagaswari
Treasurer: Miss Azrina Abdullah
Committee Members: Miss Evelyn Teng Fong Lin
                                    Mr Lim Wei Seong
                                    Mr Khor Hung Teik
                                      Mr Lee Shok Mee

(x) APPLICATION FOR FUNDING

WWP has written to a number of funding agencies for funding as follows:

· The Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) for a 3-Year awareness and education programme. WWP was awarded RM50,000.00 for the first year beginning June 1999 – June 2000.
· Indah Water Konsortium – No reply.
· Gamuda Berhad on 29 July 1999 – No Reply.
· Global Environment Centre on 3 November 1999 – Waiting for answer
· The Alliance for a Responsible and United World, Paris in June 1999 – Rejected.

(xi) NETWORKING

Internationally, WWP is now an ally of the Alliance for a responsible and united world, a French NGO. WWP has also approached this NGO for funding, but has received no news so far. The Alliance is currently working towards the preparation of guiding principles for water use in the 21st cemntury. WWP is the Malaysian representative in this venture. WWP is also networking with NGOs from Water Watch Australia, The Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR), Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN), UNDP (Malaysia), and other NGOs.

Locally, WWP is collaborating with the Malaysian Nature Society (Penang Branch) in a variety of ventures. It also has connections with CAP, SAM, SERI, TWN and WWF (Malaysia). WWP is also active in the Friends of Penang Hill (FOPH) for the protection and conservation of water resources in Penang State.

(xii) MAJLIS TAKLIMAT PENGURUSAN PERTUBUHAN, 11 SEPTEMBER 1999, AUDITORIUM A, KOMTAR LEVEL 5, PENANG

WWP was represented by Miss Azrina Abdullah, Madam Selvi Nagaswari and Dr Chan Ngai Weng in this forum organised by the Registrar of Socities Penang.
 
(xiii) WWP PRESENTATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL COURSE ON THE PROMOTION OF HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN AREAS, 25 SEPTEMBER 1999, SERI

Dr Chan Ngai Weng gave a presentation titled “Water Watch Penang: Vision, Role and Activities Towards Sustainable Development Of water Resources In Penang”.

(xiv) OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PENANG WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION (PBAPP) AND WATER WATCH PENANG (WWP) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PBAPP’s LAUNCHING OF THEIR NEW LOGO, 8 OOTOBER 1999, HOTEL SHANGRILA, PENANG

WWP was represented by Miss Azrina Abdullah, Madam Selvi Nagaswari and Dr Chan Ngai Weng in this event organised by the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. A Mock Cheque of RM50,000.00 was awarded to WWP. Dr Chan received the cheque from Ir Liew Chook San, PBAPP’s Managing Director witnessed by the Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon.


(xv) NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RIVERS ’99: TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, 14-17 OCTOBER 1999, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA, PENANG

Ir Ganesh Rasagam and Dr Chan Ngai Weng presented a joint paper for WWP titled “The Role Of Non-Governmental Organisations in Public Awareness and Environmental Education Towards Protection, Conservation and Rehabilitation of Rivers: Some Examples From The Work of Water Watch Penang

(xvi) WORKSHOP ON LAND RECLAMATION POLICY, 26 OCTOBER 1999, CITITLE, PENANG

Dr Chan Ngai Weng represented WWP in this workshop organised by the Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development (DANCED) and Unit Perancangan Ekonomi Negeri Pulau Pinang (UPEN) under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project.
 
(xvii) WWP PRESENTATION FOR INSTITUTE OF GOVERNANCE, 4 NOVEMBER 1999, SERI
Dr Chan Ngai Weng gave a presentation titled “Water Watch Penang: Vision, Role and Activities Towards Sustainable Development Of water Resources In Penang”.

(xix) LEARNING FROM THE BAGUIO RIVER BASIN CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE, BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES, 6-10 DECEMBER 1999

WWP was invited to take part in a “camp forum” by the Institute of Governance who sponsored three of our members for a 5 days trip to Baguio, the Philippines to learn from the successful Filipino experience. WWP were represented by three members Mr Lee Shok Mee, Miss Yeoh Oon Bee and Madam Teh Kin Hong. Mr Lee Shok Mee, by virtue of being the most experienced member, will lead the group. The members were instructed to learn as much as they can from this trip and then return to Penang to try to implement some, if not all, of what they learnt. We are hoping that our three members can implement some of the activities, in relation to river conservation and water, in the schools. WWP thank the Institute of Governance for their funding and we are confident that this trip will help us in our programmes tremendously. WWP hopes that there would be more support of this kind in future.


(x) STATE-WIDE INTER-SCHOOL WATER COMPETITIONS: (I) SAVE WATER COMPETITION BASED ON AMOUNT OF WATER SAVED OVER 1 6 MONTH PERIOD; (II) MOST INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT; AND (III) BEST PAINTING ON ANY WATER TOPIC, DECEMBER 1999-JUNE 2000

WWP is organising a State-wide competition on the above three competitions for the 300 odd schools in the State. This is part of WWP’s education and awareness programme with the schools. The programme is funded by the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. Trophies, certificates and cash will be awarded to the winners of all the categories. In addition, as a form of encouragement, there will be plenty of consolation prizes.

FUTURE PLANS

WWP is constantly involved in updating and informing the public of relevant water issues. Future plans include:

* Awareness and education through articles/reports in newspaper.

* Awareness and education through WWP bulletins/journals.

* Awareness and education for the public through WWP's "Love your river campaign".

* Awareness and education for school children through WWP's "Adopt a river campaign".

* Taking part in EIA panels for water related projects.

* Networking with other NGOs for information sharing and water conservation.

* Give talks/lectures on water issues.

* Advice the public and industries on water saving tips.

* Report water abuse, water thefts and other undesirable water related activities to the authorities.

* Be a watch dog on all issues relating to water.

CHANGE AGENTS

WWP has observed some improvement amongst the general public in terms of water saving. People appear to be more concerned now. This is shown by the many calls and enquires received.

WWP is also very encouraged by the response from schools and school children. WWP envisage that this is where most of our future work lies, i.e. amongst the younger generation.

WWP AND GOVERNANCE

It would be an understatement to say that WWP can provide the opportunity to improve governance. WWP is convinced that it can do what no other NGO has ever done before, i.e. get the authorities to work with it. WWP is aware that no water authority wants to do water education, even though they may have a budget for it. WWP wants to help out and take over the water education part of for the water bodies. We need to be given the chance. WWP wants to start by being the educational and public awareness "expert"/advisor" to the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. WWP is hopeful that it’s the PBAPP Sdn Bhd will continue to fund us in our awareness and water education programmes in Penang in the future.

Thank you.

Dr Chan Ngai Weng
President
Water Watch Penang
2 December 1999

Pictures of WWP Activities

	Sampling Water at Sg. Air Terjun (Upstream)
	Sg. Pinang River (Downstream)
	Sampling water at Sg. Pinang

PRESIDENT’S REPORT ON WWP ACTIVITIES 1999/2000

(1) LETTERS AND ARTICLES IN JOURNALS, MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

WWP has from time to time published educational and awareness articles in local newspapers in line with its objective to educate the masses and to create a water saving society. Millions must have read the articles. WWP received many calls seeking advice and other matters relating to water saving. The following are the articles published:
  
· Ganesh Rasagam and Chan N W 1999 The Role Of Non-Governmental Organisations in Public Awareness and Environmental Education Towards Protection, Conservation and Rehabilitation of Rivers: Some Examples From The Work of Water Watch Penang. Book of Abstracts of the National Conference on Rivers ’99: Towards Sustainable Development, 14-17 October 1999, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, p 39.
· Chan N W 1999 Acid Rain. The Sustainable Penang Initiative: People’s Report of Penang 1999, p. 1.
· Chan N W 1999 Water Consumption and Production. The Sustainable Penang Initiative: People’s Report of Penang 1999, p. 8.
· Chan N W 1999 The Role of Women in Water Conservation in Penang. Suara Wanita, November 1999.
· Chan N W (1999) Cable car system will destroy water catchment areas. The Sun 19 July 1999, p. A18.
· Chan N W (1999) Penang Hill-Teluk Bahang Cable Car System: What Are The Hidden Costs? Malaysian Nature Society Penang Branch Newsletter, No. 12/99, December 1999 Issue, Pulau Pinang, pp 6-9.
· Chan N W (1999) Risky to tamper with Penang Hill. The Sun, November 8, 1999, p 18.
· Chan N W (1999) “Sui Wo Yuen Yuen Pu Jue” (Translation: “Never Ending Water Disasters”). Guang Ming Daily. 24 November 1999, Pulau Pinang, p C16.
· Chan N W (2000) Protect Cameron Highland Forests. The Sun, 12 January 2000, p. 16.
· Chan N W (2000) Downstream Effects on Water Sources. New Straits Times, 25 January 2000, p 5.
· Chan N W (2000) “Ping Sui Yuen Jian Tu Ju Ji: Wei Sui Xin Ku Wei Sui Mang” (Translation: “Water Watch Penang: Working Hard For Water”). Guang Ming Daily, 18 March 2000, Pulau Pinang, p C8.
· Chan N W (2000) “Sui Kung Wen Ti” (Translation: “Water Problems”). Guang Ming Daily, 20 March 2000, Pulau Pinang, p D8.
· Chan N W (2000) “Er Tze Chien Sui Ta Xin Tial” (Translation: “Twenty Great Ways to Reduce Water Usage”). Guang Ming Daily, 21 March 2000, Pulau Pinang, p C8.
· Chan N W (2000) Forget Not Our Dry Days. New Straits Times, Life & Times Section, 21 March 2000, 1.
· Chan N W (2000) The Three Rs to Conserving Water. New Straits Times, Life & Times Section, 21 March 2000, 5.
· Chan N W (2000) Conserving the country’s rivers must involve all. The Sun, Comment & Letters, 30 March 2000, 18.
· Chan N W (2000) Conduct Thorough Study Before Raising Water Rates. The Sun, Comment & Letters, 10 April 2000, 16.
· Chan N W (2000) Upkeep of rivers must be a shared responsibility. The Sun 9, May, 2000, p. 16.
· Chan N W (2000) Move to educate schoolchildren on water conservation laudable. The Sun 5 June, 2000, p. 16.

(2) EDUCATING THE YOUNG TO LOVE AND MONITOR THE HEALTH OF OUR RIVERS - THE SUNGAI PINANG EXPERIENCE, 15th MAY 1999, 8.00 - 5.00 PM.

This event is similar to the one held at the Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang on the 13th of March 1999. About 30 students from Tanjong Bungah School took part. The students assembled at the Botanical Gardens at 8.00 am. Once again, the president led the group with some help from WWP members. A short briefing about the importance of conserving the cleanliness of our rivers was given by the president, followed by a "River Walk" along the banks of the Sg Air Terjun inside the Botanical gardens. The Ag Air Terjun is a tributary of the Sg Pinang, hence it contributes the headwaters of the Sg Pinang. Students were briefed on the importance of water conservation and hence the need to keep our rivers clean. The group was then taught some basic water monitoring exercises in which they conducted the exercises themselves in the river (Photograph 2). WWP hopes that this school will adopt this section of the Sg Air Terjun so that the students will monitor its "Health" by testing simple indicators such as the physical characteristics (velocity and discharge, cross-section area of river channel, temperature, colour, turbidity, presence of rubbish, smell/odour, flowing or stagnant water), the biological characteristics (presence of aquatic weeds, fish, and other aquatic wildlife) and the chemical characteristics (pH, Dissolved Oxygen and Conductivity). When the students had finished their exercises at this location, they were then taken by bus to downstream Sg Pinang (at the Patani Road Bridge). Here, they conducted the same exercises and to their disgust, they found the huge contrast in river cleanliness between the two sites. Many refused to get into the river at the second site! The results of the exercises confirmed the vast difference in the quality of the river at the two different locations (Photograph 3). Students could hardly believe their eyes when they saw the amount of rubbish in the river (Photograph 4). The president then rounded up with a discussion as to the reasons for the change in water quality and cleanliness. Students were asked to recommend ways and means of cleaning up the second site.

(3) PEOPLE’S FORUM AT THE CARING SOCIETY COMPLEX, 12 June 1999

WWP President Dr Chan Ngai Weng (assisted by Selvi Nagaswari) presented the Annual WWP Report on our activities to the Chief Minister and all the people of Penang. It was at this forum that the Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon announced the PBAPP Sdn Bhd’s funding of RM50,000.00 to WWP.

(4) WWP ANNUAL AGM – 12 JUNE 1999, CARING SOCIETY COMPLEX

In conjunction with the People’s Forum, WWP held its Annual AGM at the same venue between 12.30 noon to 2.00 pm as most of our members were present at the forum. A total of 18 out of 24 members were present. The President Dr Chan Ngai Weng presented the Annual Activities and overall report of WWP. The Treasurer Mrs. Selvi Nagaswari presented the Annual Accounts. Both reports were unanimously accepted and passed. During the elections of office bearers, the following were elected

into the various positions:

President: Dr Chan Ngai Weng
Secretary: Mrs. Selvi Nagaswari
Treasurer: Miss Azrina Abdullah
Committee Members: Miss Evelyn Teng Fong Lin
                                    Mr Lim Wei Seong
                                    Mr Khor Hung Teik
                                    Mr Lee Shok Mee

(5) FUNDING FROM PERBADANAN BEKALAN AIR PULAU PINANG SDN BHD (PBAPP) DURING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCHING OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE PENANG WATER SUPPLY CORPORATION (PBAPP) AND WATER WATCH PENANG (WWP) IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PBAPP’s LAUNCHING OF THEIR NEW LOGO, 8 OCTOBER 1999, HOTEL SHANGRILA, PENANG

WWP was represented by Miss Azrina Abdullah, Madam Selvi Nagaswari and Dr Chan Ngai Weng in this event organised by the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. A Mock Cheque of RM50,000.00 was presented to WWP. Dr Chan received the cheque on behalf of WWP from Ir Liew Chook San, PBAPP’s Managing Director witnessed by the Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon. During the launch, the PBAPP Sdn Bhd also handed out a crossed cheque of RM50,000.00 to WWP. The funding is for a series of comprehensive programmes that WWP will carry out on behalf of the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. Amongst the major programmes were the school education, public awareness and the launch on World Water Day.

(6) APPLICATION FOR FUNDING FROM OTHER BODIES/ORGANISATIONS
 
WWP has also written to a number of funding agencies for funding as follows:

· Indah Water Konsortium – No reply.
· Gamuda Berhad on 29 July 1999 – No Reply.
· Global Environment Centre on 3 November 1999 – No reply
· The Alliance for a Responsible and United World, Paris in June 1999 – Rejected.
· DANCED – a river restoration project with SERI – waiting for answer.

(7) NETWORKING

WWP is an ally of the Alliance for a responsible and united world, a French NGO. WWP is also networking with NGOs from Water Watch Australia, The Convention on Wetlands (RAMSAR), Global Rivers Environmental Education Network (GREEN), UNDP (Malaysia), and other NGOs.

WWP is collaborating closely with SERI, the Malaysian Nature Society (Penang Branch), Wetlands International (WIAP), WWF and others. WWP also has connections with CAP, SAM, TWN, SILA and STEP). WWP is also active in the Friends of Penang Hill (FOPH) for the protection and conservation of water resources in Penang State.

WWP is also collaborating with government agencies such as JPS, MPPP and MPSP, USM, and the news media in its water conservation programmes.

(8) MAJLIS TAKLIMAT PENGURUSAN PERTUBUHAN, 11 SEPTEMBER 1999, AUDITORIUM A, KOMTAR LEVEL 5, PENANG

WWP was represented by Miss Azrina Abdullah, Madam Selvi Nagaswari and Dr Chan Ngai Weng in this forum organised by the Registrar of Socities Penang.
 
(9) WWP PRESENTATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL COURSE ON THE PROMOTION OF HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN AREAS, 25 SEPTEMBER 1999, SERI

Dr Chan Ngai Weng gave a presentation titled “Water Watch Penang: Vision, Role and Activities Towards Sustainable Development Of water Resources In Penang”.

(10) NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON RIVERS ’99: TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, 14-17 OCTOBER 1999, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA, PENANG

Ir Ganesh Rasagam and Dr Chan Ngai Weng presented a joint paper for WWP titled “The Role Of Non-Governmental Organisations in Public Awareness and Environmental Education Towards Protection, Conservation and Rehabilitation of Rivers: Some Examples From The Work of Water Watch Penang

(11) WORKSHOP ON LAND RECLAMATION POLICY, 26 OCTOBER 1999, CITITLE, PENANG

Dr Chan Ngai Weng represented WWP in this workshop organised by the Danish Cooperation for Environment and Development (DANCED) and Unit Perancangan Ekonomi Negeri Pulau Pinang (UPEN) under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project.
 
(12) WWP PRESENTATION FOR INSTITUTE OF GOVERNANCE, 4 NOVEMBER 1999, SERI
Dr Chan Ngai Weng gave a presentation titled “Water Watch Penang: Vision, Role and Activities Towards Sustainable Development Of water Resources In Penang”.

(13) LEARNING FROM THE BAGUIO RIVER BASIN CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE, BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES, 6-10 DECEMBER 1999

WWP was invited to take part in a “camp forum” by the Institute of Governance who sponsored three of our members for a 5 days trip to Baguio, the Philippines to learn from the successful Phillipino experience. WWP were represented by three members Mr Lee Shok Mee, Miss Yeoh Oon Bee and Madam The Kin Hong. Mr Lee Shok Mee, by virtue of being the most experienced member, will lead the group. The members were instructed to learn as much as they can from this trip and then return to Penang to try to implement some, if not all, of what they learnt. We are hoping that our three members can implement some of the activities, in relation to river conservation and water, in the schools. WWP thank the Institute of Governance for their funding and we are confident that this trip will help us in our programmes tremendously. WWP hopes that there would be more support of this kind in future.





(14) STATE-WIDE INTER-SCHOOL WATER COMPETITIONS: (I) SAVE WATER COMPETITION BASED ON AMOUNT OF WATER SAVED OVER 1 6 MONTH PERIOD; (II) MOST INNOVATIVE AND PRACTICAL WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT; AND (III) BEST PAINTING ON ANY WATER TOPIC, DECEMBER 1999-JUNE 2000

WWP is organising a State-wide competition on the above three competitions for the 300 odd schools in the State. This is part of WWP’s education and awareness programme with the schools. The programme is funded by the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. Trophies, certificates and cash will be awarded to the winners of all the categories. In addition, as a form of encouragement, there will be plenty of consolation prizes. The prizes for the winners were given out on the 12th June 2000 at SERI’s office. The press was called.

(15) NATIONAL SEMINAR “ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN OF THE BERIS DAM PROJECT”, 28 Feb – 1 March 2000, Sg Petani. Organised by JPS.

WWP was invited to present its views on this dam project. WWP well represented by Dr Chan and Selvi at this event. A lot of questions were posted by WWP regarding the need, aim and possible effects of the dam, especially on the future of Penang’s water supply.

(16) NATIONAL CELEBRATION ON WORLD DAY FOR WATER 2000 IN PENANG, 18 – 22 MARCH 2000

World Water Day (WDW) 2000 fell on 22nd March 2000. This year, Penang was selected by the Federal Government as the host of WDW. The JPS was the chief organisor, and they duly invited WWP as a Committee Member in the organizing committee. A series of water activities were organized. Amongst them were: A water exhibition where WWP was allocated a booth in KOMTAR – WWP members who gave their time to man our booth were Dr Chan & wife, Shok Mee & wife, Selvi, Khor and Dorothy; A Water Seminar at Cititel Hotel from 20-21 March organized by MANCID-YPF – Dr Chan and Shok Mee presented papers; WWP Launch at Botanical Gardens on 22nd March 2000 – this was a grand event in which the PBAPP also took part. Amongst the activities were painting competitions where 9 mountain bikes were given out as prizes, a water guessing competition, official opening by the Chief Mininister, speeches by the Chief Minister, the General Manager of PBAPP Ir Liew Chook San and WWP president Dr Chan. WWP also gave out “water saving” mugs, T-shirts, stickers and other memorabilia. PBAPP also gave out souvenirs on water conservation. A total of about 500 people attended the launch. It was a great success.

(17) RADIO SHOW BY RADIO PENANG ON 13 MARCH 2000

Radio Penang interviewed WWP president Dr Chan on various aspects of water conservation. This is part of the World Water Day (WDW) 2000 celebrations. This was a very good chance for WWP’s to send its message of “water saving” across to the masses. During the show, there was a water quiz in which Dr Chan asked some fairly easy questions and callers called in with their answers. WWP gave away two prizes to the winners. The prizes were given out during WWP’s Launch on 22nd March.

18) Water Watch Committee Strategic Planning Retreat 6-9 April 2000

The Water Watch Committee went for a 3-day planning retreat at Trinkap, Cameron Highlands. They had a fruitful time in planning for the coming national conference on water and several other projects including the monitoring of water quality Sg. Pinang.

Field visits were also organised for this trip to various places of interest like the forest reserve at Tanah Rata under the Forestry Department.
 

(19) Local Seminar - “Penang Association For Continuing Education (PACE) Seminar Series, 2000”, April 16, Caring Society Complex, Penang.

Organised by PACE under the auspices of the Penang Educational Consultative Council (PECC). WWP president Dr Chan was invited to give a talk/seminar on Water: Issue of the New Millennium? The event was well attended by about 30 people from the public. This is part of WWP’s public education campaign.

(20) TV SHOW INTERVIEW BY TV3 ON 5 MAY 2000

TV3 interviewed WWP president Dr Chan on the state of water resources in Penang and various other aspects of water conservation. This was another very good chance for WWP’s to send its message of “water saving” across to the masses. During the half-hour interview, Dr Chan appealed to all Penangites to start saving water as Penang was a water-stressed state. TV3 promised to give WWP a copy of the taped video for WWP’s water education programmes.


(21) International Forum – “Millennium Forum: We The People”, 22 – 26 May, New York, United States of America.

This international event was organized by The United Nations. WWP was the only NGO invited from Malaysia. Dr Chan represented WWP and funded himself on this trip. This was possible as he was in the USA at that time. Dr Chan presented a paper titled Saving Water in the 21st Century: The Responsibility of All.

(22) National Forum – “Forum Air 2000”, 27 May, Swiss Garden Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by Malaysian Nature Society. WWP was invited to present a paper at this national event. Selvi Nagaswari a/p Murugiah presented the joint paper with Dr Chan titled The 3R Concept in Water Use.

(23) FUTURE PLANS

WWP is constantly involved in updating and informing the public of relevant water issues. Future plans include:

· Water education in schools under WWP’s School’s Programme
· Catchment Walk cum tree planting programme for water catchments in Penang
· River restoration programme – Sg Pinang – DANCED project funding applied together with SERI.
· River restoration programme – Sg Keluang. This project involves WWP, JPS and the resident association of a community living beside this river.
· Awareness and education through articles/reports in newspaper.
· Awareness and education through WWP bulletins/journals.
· Awareness and education for the public through WWP's "Love your river campaign".
· Awareness and education for school children through WWP's "Adopt a river campaign".
· Taking part in EIA panels for water related projects.
· Networking with other NGOs for information sharing and water conservation.
· Give talks/lectures on water issues.
· Advice the public and industries on water saving tips.
· Report water abuse, water thefts and other undesirable water related activities to the authorities.
· Taking part in the “Green Production” campaign for Penang’s industries.
· Be a watch dog on all issues relating to water.
· WWP as an agent for Change in attitudes and lifestyle- WWP has observed some improvement amongst the general public in terms of water saving. People appear to be more concerned now. This is shown by the many calls and enquires received. WWP is also very encouraged by the response from schools and school children. WWP envisage that this is where most of our future work lies, i.e. amongst the younger generation.
· Working with the Government - WWP is convinced that it can do what no other NGO has ever done before, i.e. get the authorities to work with it. WWP is aware that no water authority wants to do water education, even though they may have a budget for it. WWP wants to help out and take over the water education part of for the water bodies. We need to be given the chance. WWP wants to start by being the educational and public awareness "expert"/advisor" to the PBAPP Sdn Bhd. WWP is hopeful that it’s the PBAPP Sdn Bhd will continue to fund us in our awareness and water education programmes in Penang in the future.


WATER IS THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE.

Last modified on Wednesday, July 26, 2000