Author

  • Noor Syahidah Mohamad Akhir

    • Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kedah Branch, Campus Sungai Petani, Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia
    • Malaysia

  • Azrul Shahimy Mohd Yusof

    • Academy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kedah Branch, Campus Sungai Petani, Merbok, Kedah, Malaysia
    • Malaysia

  • Syaimak Ismail

    • Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Arau Branch, Campus Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
    • Malaysia

  • Asmahani Nayan

    • College of Computing, Informatics and Mathematics, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
    • Malaysia

  • Ficha Melina

    • Islamic Banking Study Program, Faculty of Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Riau (UIR), Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia
    • Indonesia

Abstract

Throughout history, human societies have emerged and flourished around river valleys, which were essential for their survival. However, contemporary challenges like global climate change, conflicts, water pollution, poverty, and difficult geographical conditions have impacted both the availability and quality of water resources. In Malaysia, water-related challenges have become particularly pressing in several states, especially rural ones. The combination of low population density in these areas and the high costs of building sanitized water supply systems has caused delays in water infrastructure projects. Since 2020, the water waqf has emerged as a promising initiative in Malaysia, spearheaded by Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia (YWM) in partnership with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). This approach is also gaining traction in ASEAN countries, such as Indonesia, Cambodia, and Brunei. Although the concept of water waqf is not new, there remains limited research, both theoretical and empirical, on this topic. Therefore, this study aims to examine the role of water waqf as an alternative instrument for sustainable water management in Malaysia and selected ASEAN countries. Using a qualitative, library-based methodology, the study conducts a document analysis of primary source materials from YWM. This analysis includes reviewing annual reports, project documentation, and financial distribution records related to water waqf projects by state, up until December 2023. The findings emphasize the significant potential of water waqf development in addressing water resource challenges, ultimately benefiting society by broadening access to clean water as the concept of water waqf becomes more widely understood.

Keywords

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How to Cite

Mohamad Akhir, N. S., Mohd Yusof, A. S., Ismail, S., Nayan, A., & Melina, F. (2025). The Sustainable Water Management Through Waqf: An Islamic Perspective in Malaysia and ASEAN. Information Management and Business Review, 17(4(I), 80-93. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v17i4(I).4739

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Copyright (c) 2025 Noor Syahidah Mohamad Akhir, Azrul Shahimy Mohd Yusof, Syaimak Ismail, Asmahani Nayan, Ficha Melina (Author)

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Research Paper

Published in

Vol. 17 No. 4(I) (2025) Circular Economy, Civic Technology & Social Innovation View issue contents

Published

2025-11-23

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