MALACCA: The people of Malacca hope that the authorities will provide more effective contingency plans and take note of public opinion before deciding on the issue of water shortage in the state.
Food stall operator Rohana Abdullah, 43, said if action plans were effectively drawn, residents would no longer suffer during the dry seasons.
“I am not blaming anyone, but when there is no water supply it can be burdensome for consumers especially food stall operators like me.
“My knees and back are already hurting after having to carry five to six pails of water every day from the water tankers for my daily use,“ she told Bernama here today.
Rohana, who sells nasi lemak at Taman Merdeka here, also hoped that the authorities such as Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB) could inform consumers much earlier on the water supply disruption to enable them to store enough water and have more water containers on standby.
Pensioner Muhammad Syukur Rahman, 61, who shared the same opinion added that as water disruption is not something new in the state, the authorities should create various contingency plans each time there is a water shortage.
“We cannot rely solely on external supply but we should have or own emergency storage and alternative water sources for use in times of water shortage,“ said Muhammad Syukur who lives in Bukit Katil.
Norhafizah Saidin, 45, from Taman Angkasa Nuri near here, said those responsible in the management of water supply should be more transparent in the dissemination of information on water supply disruption.
“Important information pertaining to water levels at dams being at critical stage, for example, should be made known to the public so that they will be better prepared or at least cooperate by reducing water consumption,“ said the mother of three.
Nevertheless Norhafizah was thankful and lauded the state government and SAMB for assisting consumers with the water supply trucks throughout the water crisis since Sept 14. - Bernama
