SELANGOR’S seven dams remain at a healthy 80% capacity despite the relentless heatwave, with none dipping below the 70% mark.
State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said daily monitoring showed water reserves were stable.
He attributed this to the result of a five-year contingency plan following dry weather forecasts by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).
To safeguard the state’s supply, Izham said Selangor was no longer relying solely on dams, citing off-river storage (ORS) systems which are in place to supplement raw water.
He added that Selangor also had 185 ponds identified as alternative water sources.
“These could help raise river levels or dilute high ammonia concentrations in rivers during dry spells,” he said.
To get a clearer picture, he said over 300 rain gauges statewide are being monitored by the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) for precise rainfall data.
Izham warned that while water levels were currently safe, shallow rivers pose a higher risk of ammonia pollution, which could disrupt water treatment.
“We are taking the necessary steps to manage this,” he told reporters at a joint Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year open house in Pandan Indah.
Beyond water security, Izham urged the public to take precautions against heatstroke, advising residents to stay hydrated and reduce outdoor activities.
