The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry will have no choice but to declare a water emergency for Kuala Lumpur, the Federal Territory and Putrajaya if water levels at the dams supplying the areas dip below 30% in the next two weeks.
Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said the Cabinet had instructed him to set up a National Action Committee that would enforce penalties and fines on those who committed water wastage.
“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 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.
When asked about a report that five trillion cubic metres of groundwater still remained untouched, Maximus replied that to tap that resource 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.”
See Also: Cheras Batu 11 water treatment plant shut down again; Burst pipe on Jalan Universiti just made PJ water woes worse
Story: The Malay Mail Online
