Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) has announced the completion of Malaysia’s first Digital Twin Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Semenyih 2 WTP. This achievement results from a collaboration with Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation.
In operation since 2022, Semenyih 2 WTP is Malaysia's first fully automated water treatment plant and is now integrated with Asset Digital Twin technology. This advanced system enables autonomous operation across standard, startup, and shutdown processes. The facility produces an average output of 100 million litres per day (MLD) and is expected to enhance productivity by up to 20%, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation in water management.
Emphasizing the role of technology in ensuring sustainability and resilience in water management, Adam Saffian Ghazali, Chief Executive Officer of Air Selangor, stated, “The Digital Twin solutions are a game-changer for the water industry. By enabling real-time monitoring and optimisation of our WTP operations, we can deliver a more consistent and reliable water supply, reduce inefficiencies, and improve service quality for our 9.62 million consumers. This aligns with our commitment to sustainability and our vision to become Asia’s leading water services provider by 2030.”
The facility produces an average output of 100 million litres per day (MLD) and is expected to enhance productivity by up to 20%
With the implementation of the Asset Digital Twin model at Semenyih 2 WTP, Air Selangor can proactively detect anomalies, optimise water distribution strategies, and forecast the impact of both planned and unplanned events before they occur. Schneider Electric notes that as the digital twin model continues to accumulate data, it can predict events months in advance, supporting efficient facility management.
“Digital twin - a virtual representation of physical water infrastructure and processes - is revolutionising the water industry. By integrating diverse data streams with online hydraulic modeling in their large water distribution network, Air Selangor is unlocking a deeper understanding of complex water distribution networks through real-time monitoring and remotely control water distribution flow on demand, enabling more informed decisions and efficient operation in water management,” said Shanmugavel Subramaniam, Global Water Segment Leader, Schneider Electric.
The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has warned that Malaysia may face severe water shortages within the next five years due to climate change, rising water demand, and aging infrastructure.
"Water security is an urgent issue, and continuing on our current trajectory is unsustainable. Malaysia’s water sector must recognise all assets as resources to be reused, shifting our mindset and practices to embrace a circular economy. By viewing water and its associated processes as interconnected systems, we can enhance sustainability, optimise resource utilisation, and improve efficiency. It is imperative for companies to drive innovation by investing in cutting-edge water treatment technologies and adopting best practices. We commend Air Selangor for its proactive efforts in leading the charge towards a more sustainable future for water in Malaysia," said Eugene Quah, Country President for Malaysia, Schneider Electric.
