SHAH ALAM, July 31 — The move for a scheduled water supply will only be implemented as a last resort if prolonged dry weather caused by the anticipated Super El Nino significantly affects water resources in the northern region.
Harian Metro reported that the National Water Services Commission’s (SPAN) Emergency and Risk Preparedness Committee chairman, Sulaiman Kamisan, said forecasts from the Malaysian Meteorological Department indicate that the extreme weather phenomenon could begin in November and continue into early next year.
The Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS) and the state water operator have already outlined contingency plans involving both short- and medium-term measures to safeguard raw water supplies.
"JPS and the state water operator have already presented contingency plans covering both short- and medium-term measures.
“These include the installation of temporary pumps to channel water into intake points, as well as dredging blocked waterways to improve water flow.
"However, if rain still does not fall and the dry weather continues even after all these intervention measures have been implemented, the implementation of scheduled water supply or water rationing may have to be carried out as a last resort," he said during a media conference after a working visit to monitor water resources at Timah Tasoh Dam in Padang Besar, Perlis today.
Sulaiman added that the expected dry spell could impact dam water levels, particularly in Perlis, Kedah, and parts of Penang.
The management of raw water resources falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, making it essential for agencies responsible for dam operations to carefully manage water releases.
He said that water discharge must be regulated based on rainfall simulations to ensure sufficient supply for public consumption.
"Based on historical patterns, rainfall is expected to begin between August and October. We pray and hope that the rain in September will restore the dam's capacity from a critical level to a safer level.
"While waiting for the rain, coordinated efforts involving the state government and relevant agencies are crucial to take immediate measures to extend the endurance of the existing water supply," Sulaiman said.
