Putrajaya gives two weeks before declaring water emergency
The Malay Mail Online – 5 hours agoRELATED CONTENT
- Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili checks the water level, which was at 37.73 per cent, at …
PETALING JAYA, April 15 — The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry will be forced to declare a water emergency for Kuala Lumpur, the Federal Territory and Putrajaya if water levels at the dams dip below 30 per cent within the next two weeks.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, said he had been instructed by the Cabinet to set up a National Action Committee that would enforce penalties and fines on those who used water excessively, such as through the use of hoses.
“I have been asked to gazette acts under Section 56 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006,” he said after a visit to the Sungai Selangor dam, whose water level was at 37.73 per cent, yesterday.
“However, I hope things will improve and it will not come to this (enforcing penalties).”
Ongkili said the committee was being set up so that input and views could be put forward, and key performance indicators, procedures and machinery set.
He said the matter would also be discussed at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
“In the meantime, we need cooperation from all quarters to achieve higher water levels at the dams,” he said.
Ongkili said water rationing, except in hospitals, schools and administrative areas, would continue to ensure there was sufficient water supply.
“As it continues to rain outside the water catchment areas, we will also continue with cloud seeding measures with other departments,” he said.
Asked about a report that over five trillion cubic metres of groundwater had remained untouched, he said to tap on it was risky as it may cause geological destabilisation.
“We acknowledge this option but are looking at finding other ways to handle the crisis,” he said.
“It may be an option in rural areas but risky for urban areas. It would also be effective more in the short-term rather than the long-term.”
