ALOR SETAR: Some 20,000 homes in several areas in the state will face water disruption during the current festive season.

State Housing and Local Government, Water Supply and Water Resources and Energy Committee chairman Datuk Badrol Hisham Hashim said the 20,000 affected homes are account holders of Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada) in Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Merbok and Baling.

He cited increased usage by the balik kampung folk for the Hari Raya holiday.

"To overcome the problem, Sada has been ordered to send water tankers to the affected areas," he said at a "Jom Bakar Lemang" event with the media in Kuala Nerang on Monday.

He said the water concessionaire has also been instructed to ensure that all affected consumers, including surau and mosques, receive water supply throughout the Hari Raya season.

Badrol Hisham also said that the state government is building a water treatment facility in Pokok Sena, which will take 18 months to complete as a long-term solution to the water shortage problem in the state.

"Other alternatives are being studied, including underground water sources in Tupah, Merbok," he added.