​​​​​​​​​The need to establish a National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) started way back in 1990 as a result from Delft Hydraulic & Co findings. The report acknowledged the establishment of a research institute with a capability to conduct experimental simulation and numerical hydrodynamic analysis, ecological and morphological processes and its interaction with human activities. Subsequently, in the Cabinet Meeting on the 14th April 1993, approved the establishment of NAHRIM with the main objective as follows:

• To build a pool of experts and provide research service that need in planning, designing, building and implementing research related to development of water resources in particular and environment in general; and
  
• To set up as a National Focal Point that coordinate research on hydraulic engineering in Malaysia.

NAHRIM started its operation in September 1995 and move ahead to become an excellent center in hydraulic engineering research and supporting service to meet the demand from both public and private sector in the water related development. In line with its establishment objectives as indicated above and NAHRIM's function as also written in the Ministerial Function Act 1969 (Ministers of the Federal Government (No.2) Order 2008) are as follows:

• Conducts basic and applied research in hydraulic engineering, coastal engineering, water resources and water quality for public and private sector;
  
• Experts/specialized consultancy services to public and private sectors;
  
•  Co-operate with local universities and institute in hydraulic engineering research;
  
• Function as Government advisor on matters relating to hydraulics; and
  
• To act as the National center in hydraulic engineering research and become the coordinator of all research in the country.​

Main Functions

• To conduct both basic and applied research on water such as water resources, river, coastal, geohydrology and water quality.
  
• To provide support services to both the public and private sectors in addressing water and its environment problems.
  
• To act as the National Focal Point on water and its environment research by coordinating related national research and participating in bilateral and multilateral international research activities.
  
• To provide advisory services on water and its environment matters in line with national interests.​