Relief for residents affected by water cuts

Alternative source: Sungai Long residents collecting spring water from a hillside running along the Silk Highway.

PETALING JAYA: Residents affected by the closure of the Langat and Cheras water treatment plants can heave a sigh of relief as the two plants resumed their operations.

Air Selangor head of corporate communication Amin Lin Abdullah said yesterday that both treatment plants hadswitched their source of raw water supply from Sungai Semantan in Pahang to Sungai Langat dam.

Water will be distributed to all affected areas in Kuala Lumpur and parts of Petaling as well as Hulu Langat based on a schedule effective today as a temporary measure to ensure consumers do not expe­rience supply interruption for an extended period.

The Sungai Langat and Cheras plants were shut down due to odour pollution suspected from Sungai Semantan.

Both plants receive raw water supply from the same river.

Air Selangor’s river surveillance team has been sent to Pahang to assist the Pahang Water Resource Authority and Pahang Department of Environment to identify the source of pollution in the river.

“Consumers are urged to use water prudently during this restoration period. They are advised to download the ‘mySYABAS’ smartphone application or visit www.syabas.com.my to get more information,” he said.

In a related development, Semen­yih assemblyman Datuk Johan Abdul Aziz said lawyers were looking into legal options that consu­mers could take.

“In the meantime, I have sought the help of firemen to supply water to affected areas,” he said.

A Taman Mutiara Timur resident in Cheras, who wanted to be known only as Chong, said the public had a right to know the source and cause of pollution.

“This is a serious matter. I am curious as to how this could happen,” she said.

Chong said she had always stored water in pails and buckets in anticipation of a possible disruption.

“But what can we do if the water is contaminated? We need assu­rance the water is safe for consumption after supply is restored,” said the mother of three.

Retiree Kasnin Wagiman, 63, said the onus was on the authorities to ensure the water was safe for consumption.

“Can the authorities guarantee the water is safe?” he asked.