Putajaya Lake targeted as water source when El Nino hits

SEPANG: Putrajaya Lake may be turned into a water source for the Klang Valley if dams reach critical levels due to the El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to hit the country at the end of this month.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said other lakes being considered for the same purpose included the Mines in Seri Kembangan, if the Health Ministry confirmed that water in the lakes were safe for consumption.

He said this alternative source of water was among the proposals to be tabled at the first meeting of the El Nino Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on June 30.

"We also plan to use underground sources to supplement the water supply needed, whether for domestic or industrial use, during the dry season.

"The El Nino Committee, however, would need to first obtain data on water levels in the dams throughout the country before making a decision," he told a news conference after officially opening the Tune Hotel KLIA2, here on Wednesday.

Asked if water rationing would return, Mahdzir said the Ministry would need clarification from the Meteorological Department on the change of the southwest monsoon in the second week of July.

He said the hot weather experienced since last week was not due to the El Nino phenomenon, but caused by the southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean.

"In the second week of July, we will see whether the southwest monsoon turns its course from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and if this happens, the El Nino phenomenon has hit us.

"The El Nino phenomenon which causes prolonged drought, would have a big impact on our country involving five sectors, namely domestic, agriculture, industry, power generation and health," he said. - Bernama