Event

PAPAR, 24 June 2026 – Sedafiat Sdn Bhd has officially launched the Groundwater Potential Study Pilot Project at Papar Hospital, marking a strategic initiative to enhance water security and sustainability for healthcare facilities in Sabah.

The groundwater harvesting initiative is expected to supply 15–20% of the hospital's daily water demand, generating approximately 20–27 cubic metres of water per day as an alternative source to the public water supply.

Sedafiat Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Hj Ag Buhtamam Hj Ag Mahmun, said the project will reduce reliance on a single water source while ensuring uninterrupted clinical and non-clinical operations, strengthening emergency preparedness, providing a sustainable backup water supply, and improving overall utility management.

"Every patient treatment, operating theatre, diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, and sanitation service depends on a stable and reliable water supply. This alternative source will help hospitals remain operational during water disruptions," he said.

Papar Hospital was selected for the pilot project due to its favourable hydrogeological conditions. Preliminary findings indicate positive groundwater potential, with key water quality parameters such as pH and electrical conductivity falling within acceptable ranges. Water samples are currently undergoing comprehensive laboratory testing to ensure compliance with standards for hospital use.

As part of the project, a 2-inch exploratory tube well has been constructed within the Papar Hospital Dental Clinic compound. The extracted groundwater is intended for external (non-domestic) applications, allowing treated water supplies to be prioritised for critical medical and domestic use.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Sabah Deputy State Health Director, Dr Ridwan Hashim, who described the initiative as a significant step towards strengthening sustainable water resource management. He also highlighted the Sabah State Health Department's long-term aspiration to expand groundwater harvesting systems to other government hospitals across the state, subject to the pilot project's success.

This initiative reinforces Sedafiat's commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system while supporting its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in health, clean water, innovation, sustainable communities, and climate action.

The event was also attended by representatives from Papar Hospital, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia Sabah, Pembinaan Kiyawayan Sdn Bhd, and Sedafiat's senior management team.