Malaysia’s National Water Balance Management System: Tool for Water Resources Manager

Abstract

Integrated water resources management requires information on water availability, water demand, and options for water transfer, water storing and allocation and integration of surface water and groundwater. A comprehensive water resources management system, the National Water Balance System (NAWABS) developed by Department of Irrigation and Drainage, Malaysia based on the Sustainable Water Resource Management (SWRM) framework to supports the objectives of the National Water Resources Policy (NWRP). The objectives of this paper is to provide overview of the implementation of integrated water resources management was done via NAWABS. The NAWABS system provides a framework for sharing engineering approach on river system behaviour, evaluating alternative developments and operational management schemes. It supports decision-management for river basins and inter-state planning for developing water resources in a cooperative manner, sharing socio-economic benefits, and promoting efficient water utilisation. The NAWABS comprises of comprehensive Decision Management Support System (DMSS) framework customised specifically to support the operational objectives for each river basin. The operational NAWABS DMSS will enable river basin managers to better balance supply and demands, through an improved assessment of the future low conditions and the ability to assess the risk of various operational strategies.