Mohd Firdaus Abdullah

The main rivers in Southeast Asia not only shaped civilization but also play a significant element that transcends geopolitical boundaries in that area. This article aims to examine the role of rivers in Southeast Asia in connecting communities, strengthening trade, and spreading religious beliefs such as Hindu-Buddhism and Islam, making it the core of principle for regional integration and collective identity in Asean. By using the longue durée theory, this article analyses the rivers’ roles as both physical and symbolic mediums. Findings reveal that rivers were not only used as the main routes for trading but also as channels to exchange cultures and symbols of shared identity, seen in traditions like floating markets, maritime arts, and water house communities. However, the neglect of joint management cooperation due to modern nation-state-centered approaches has affected the rivers’ potential as catalysts for regional integration. Therefore, this article emphasizes the importance of establishing a multilateral framework for river management within ASEAN, leveraging platforms such as ASEAN as mechanisms for water diplomacy to ensure ecological sustainability and equitable resource distribution.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the degree to which the mentality and behaviour of the Kedah and Penang state administrations from 1965 to 1985 were impacted by the drawing of raw water from Sungai Muda, as a significant strategic factor. This article's goal is to explore the interactions between the two governments over raw water that they acquire from Sungai Muda. Additionally, it will assess the effects of Kedah's decision to permit Penang to use Sungai Muda's raw water. Based on previous studies, it was found that despite the issue's relevance and obvious connection to the current water supply dispute between the two states, researchers did not pay much attention to the management of raw water obtained from Sungai Muda by Kedah and Penang.  Since it addresses issues that will still come up between the two states in light of the present water supply crisis, this study is relevant and important. The study used a qualitative methodology in addition to primary materials such as contract documents, archival records, and secondary sources such as books and articles. From the findings, it was observed that the use of raw water sources from Sungai Muda involves close engagement between the states of Kedah and Penang from 1965 to 1985. During this time, the state governments of Penang and Kedah played a crucial role in empowering the water supply sector in their respective states. The historical experience of Malaysia's water supply policy's consolidation in the twenty-first century adds a new dimension to the conversation about water issues in the country.