PAAB Earns Sustainable INFRASTAR Ratings for Four Water Infrastructure Projects

Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), a wholly owned company of the Minister of Finance Incorporated, has received Sustainable INFRASTAR certification from Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM), a subsidiary of Construction Industry Development Board, for four of its water infrastructure projects, according to BERNAMA.

PAAB Chief Executive Officer, Zulkiflee Omar, described the recognition as a key milestone in the organisation’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and responsible project delivery across Malaysia’s water sector.

This achievement reflects PAAB’s ongoing efforts to embed sustainability principles into the planning, design and construction of water infrastructure, while ensuring long-term efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Zulkiflee Omar, PAAB Chief Executive Officer

Among the highlighted projects is the Conveyor System for Water Treatment Residuals at the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant in Selangor, the largest facility developed by PAAB. The project received a 5-Star rating in the design and construction category.

In Melaka, the Air Jernih Water Treatment Plant was awarded two 4-Star ratings for the design of its treatment plant (90 million litres per day capacity) and its balancing water tank (10 million litres capacity). The same project also earned a 3-Star rating for the design of its terminal water tank, also with a 10 million litre capacity.

Zulkiflee explained that the Sustainable INFRASTAR certification assesses projects across six key criteria at both design and construction stages: pre-design and pre-construction, sustainable land use, ecology and environment, materials and waste management, energy performance, as well as social and innovation elements.

He added that the recognition highlights PAAB’s focus on minimising environmental impact through initiatives such as zero-discharge practices, innovative waste management, and efficient resource utilisation.

The certification was presented by CREAM CEO, Syed Hazni Abd Gani, during an appreciation and networking visit at Makmal Kerja Raya Malaysia.

PAAB’s sustainability efforts are guided by its internal framework, which emphasises economic growth, environmental responsibility, social accountability and ethical governance. This includes early integration of sustainable practices, adoption of recognised certification standards, innovative engineering solutions, and sustainable financing.

These initiatives are overseen by a dedicated Board-level Sustainability Committee, which drives the organisation’s Economic, Environmental, Social and Governance (EESG) agenda.

PAAB’s approach aligns with national and global priorities, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Malaysia’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, while strengthening climate resilience.

Looking ahead, PAAB plans to expand its use of certification frameworks, green technologies and strategic partnerships to further enhance sustainability standards and ensure long-term water security amid evolving climate challenges.

Established in May 2006 under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, PAAB plays a central role in developing water assets in Peninsular Malaysia, supporting the Federal Government’s National Water Services Industry Restructuring Plan.