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On the pristine east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, where white sandy beaches meet crystal-clear waters, Terengganu has long been recognized as one of Malaysia’s tourism gems. But behind the state’s thriving islands, growing tourism economy and expanding industrial ambitions lies a critical resource that sustains it all – water.
For Abdul Karim Endut, CEO of Syarikat Air Terengganu (SATU), ensuring sustainable and reliable water access is not simply an operational responsibility, it is central to Terengganu’s future growth.
As the state-owned utility provider responsible for delivering water services to over 1.2 million consumers, SATU plays a crucial role in supporting Terengganu’s economic ambitions, particularly as the state continues to strengthen tourism, attract new investments and expand infrastructure under the Terengganu Maju, Berkat, Sejahtera 2030 agenda.
“By mirroring the state’s development goals, SATU continues to act as a foundational pillar in realizing the shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable future for all,” Endut tells The CEO Magazine.
“Terengganu is blessed with extraordinary natural assets and our islands, beaches and tourism destinations continue to attract millions of visitors every year. But behind every hotel, every tourism destination, every household and every business, there must be reliable water infrastructure. Water security is fundamental to the state’s long-term growth.”
Under Endut’s leadership, SATU is evolving from a traditional public utility into a future-ready organization focused on innovation, sustainability and long-term resilience.
“One day, every family in Terengganu should be able to turn on their tap and drink clean water without needing additional filters.”
While SATU has successfully achieved 100 percent water coverage in urban areas and approximately 96.7 percent coverage in rural communities, extending services across Terengganu’s geographically challenging landscape remains costly as the state’s numerous islands present a unique challenge.
“Some of our islands require extensive infrastructure investment, including submarine pipelines stretching up to 27 kilometers from the mainland,” Endut explains.
“From a purely commercial standpoint, these projects may not appear viable. But as a public service provider, our responsibility goes beyond profitability. We must ensure no community is left behind.”
This balancing act reflects a broader national and state agenda to improve rural infrastructure access while ensuring equitable development across underserved communities.
And through ongoing collaboration with regulators and policymakers, SATU is working toward a more sustainable tariff model that supports long-term infrastructure expansion while maintaining affordability for consumers.
Since taking the helm as CEO, Endut has accelerated SATU’s digital transformation agenda, positioning the company as one of Malaysia’s emerging smart water utilities.
In 2023, he introduced SATU’s transformation framework: DROPS.
“Like water droplets, each letter reflects a pillar of SATU’s future,” he explains.
“D is for Digital, embedding technology as the new operational standard. R is for Real-Time, meaning we are enabling faster operational responses through real-time data. O is for optimization, improving efficiency across infrastructure and operations.
“P is for Predictive – using analytics to forecast demand and reduce disruptions. And S is for Sustainable, ensuring that whatever we do has long-term environmental and operational sustainability.”
The benefits of digitization range from increased water quality and reduced energy costs to being able to identify and repair issues in the water system more effectively.
“We need smarter systems that allow us to make faster, better decisions,” he says.
“Our responsibility goes beyond profitability. We must ensure no community is left behind.”
One of his earliest initiatives was implementing a comprehensive asset management system that provides real-time monitoring of SATU’s infrastructure.
With more than 15 treatment plants and nearly 9,000 kilometers of pipelines, much of SATU’s aging infrastructure required urgent attention. Approximately 15 percent of its pipeline network consists of asbestos cement pipes that are over 40 years old and have exceeded their economic lifespan.
“Today, we can identify asset conditions in real time and make better investment decisions before failures occur,” Endut explains.
“Our objective is to run the best equipment we have at all times. So, with all that by 2028, SATU will be a digital utility company.”
As one of Malaysia’s east coast states frequently impacted by monsoon flooding and extreme weather events, Terengganu faces growing climate-related risks. For Endut, climate resilience has become a leadership priority.
“Climate change is no longer a future concern – it is happening now,” he says.
“Floods, droughts and unpredictable weather patterns directly affect water security. We must prepare today for future generations.”
This aligns with Terengganu’s ongoing flood mitigation efforts and national sustainability commitments as climate adaptation becomes increasingly urgent across Malaysia.
“There has to be a balance between economics and social obligation.”
In 2022, SATU introduced its corporate tagline, “Care for Life and Beyond.” The philosophy reflects Endut’s commitment to environmental stewardship, operational responsibility and intergenerational sustainability.
“To institutionalize this culture, SATU has also pursued multiple international certifications covering water quality, environmental management, occupational health and safety and operational excellence,” Endut says.
“These certifications are not symbolic. They create discipline, accountability and consistency across the organization.”
As Terengganu continues to diversify beyond oil and gas into tourism, maritime industries, renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives, reliable water infrastructure will remain foundational.
Whether supporting island tourism, new industrial developments or growing residential communities, Endut has one clear goal: To ensure every resident and business in Terengganu has access to reliable, safe and sustainable water.
“My vision is simple,” he says. “One day, every family in Terengganu should be able to turn on their tap and drink clean water without needing additional filters.”
For Endut, that vision goes far beyond utility management. It is about safeguarding Terengganu’s future.
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