PETALING JAYA: National Water Commission (SPAN) has been asked to prepare for any water shortage or disruption during the dry season, which begins next month.
Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran said we are in for a double whammy due to the dry season and Covid-19 outbreak, where people have been urged to regularly wash their hands.
There is a global campaign to stop the tap from running while people are washing their hands to avert a possible water crisis.
Predicting a drought in May and June, the country would not able to deal with a water crisis while trying to contain the outbreak.
“We are facing an abnormal situation, so we need to be prepared for the worst,” Piarapakaran told theSun yesterday.
“I can’t imagine having a water disruption in Sungai Buloh. It would be a major problem since the government hospital there is treating Covid-19 patients.
“We have informed the government, SPAN and other water management companies to be on standby and monitor the water situation closely as all of us need to keep good personal hygiene to prevent the virus or any water-borne diseases from spreading.”
Piarapakaran said water consumption is expected to rise during the dry season. Places like Penang and Klang Valley will be badly affected if their water reserves run low, or there is water source pollution.
He highlighted the need to ensure swift action is taken in high-risk areas, such as Petaling Jaya, Klang Valley, Malacca, Johor and Penang, if there are water supply disruptions.
“Water tankers have to be on standby for areas where we are treating Covid-19 patients or under enhanced movement control order,” he said. “Move your assets and put more water lorries there.”
There was a drop in water usage in non-domestic sectors as many business premises were shut down temporarily or not running at full capacity.
However, consumption will spike close to Ramadan this month and Hari Raya in May as those involved in the food and beverage business will be preparing their food products, such as delicacies and cookies, before the festive season.
Piarapakaran estimated water consumption in the domestic sector will increase between 5% and 10 % during the MCO.
“Generally, domestic water consumption for Peninsular Malaysia and Federal Territories of Labuan is around 60% based on SPAN data between 2018 and 2019, but because of the MCO, it would rise between 65% and 70% since people are not going out,” he said.
