Concerns raised over dam levels in certain areas, says SPAN

PETALING JAYA: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) revealed that the dam levels in certain areas are concerning.

In a Friday (March 29) statement, SPAN said the current Air Hitam Dam water level is 34.10% and would only last five days.

According to data shared by SPAN, the Air Hitam Dam is placed under the “alert level” and would not disrupt the water supply.

“Several water supply dams in the north have shown decreasing water levels, are at the ‘alert level,’ and have not reached a ‘critical level, '” it said in a statement.

Areas in the northern region affected include BS Padang Saga in Kedah, whose water level is at 37.25%; Malut Dam, Kedah (38.9%); Muda, Kedah (40%) and Tima Tasoh, Perlis (56.21%).

“Regarding operations in the Eastern Region (Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang), most dams or rivers are stable. All water treatment plants are operating at normal capacity except the Kelar water treatment plant in Kelantan, which decreased due to the depletion of raw water resources.

“Several areas in Kelantan are also experiencing low water pressure due to the deterioration of raw water supply sources.

“At the same time, the Sungai Pagar Dam operator has taken mitigation measures to alleviate Labuan's current water supply situation.”

SPAN said the main dam levels in Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and most of the dams in Johor are currently at a satisfactory level above 80%.

For water supply services in the Central Region (Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya), SPAN said seven dams and three main rivers in Selangor recorded maximum levels, and all 34 water treatment plants operate at normal capacity.

In the Southern Region (Johor, Negri Sembilan and Melaka), only the West Sembrong Dam (currently at 31.37%) in Johor is at “alert level, but this situation does not affect the production of treated water at the West Sembrong water treatment plant, SPAN added.

“SPAN expects that the demand for water supply will increase between 10% and 15% of the current production before the festive season.

“Overall, water supply is still under control in most states. Despite this, SPAN does not rule out any potential disruption if the downward trend is recorded continuously for the coming weeks,” the statement added.

According to SPAN, there are 47 dams and 67 main water treatment plants nationwide.