ALOR SETAR: The state government has instructed Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (SADA) to use more lorries to ferry water to areas facing shortages.

State Housing and Local Government, Water Supply and Water Resources and Energy committee chairman Datuk Badrol Hisham Hashim said Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Merbok and Baling had been identified as the critical areas.

“The water shortage is caused by increased demand as many have returned home for the Raya celebrations.”

He said about 5,000 homes in the areas were affected.

“To overcome the problem, SADA has been told to increase the numbers of lorries sending water to the affected areas.

“SADA must ensure that all affected consumers including suraus and mosques receive enough water throughout Raya.

“We want SADA to supply water according to the needs of the customers and not based on a timetable,” Badrol Hisham said during a ‘Jom Bakar Lemang’ programme with the media on Monday.

He said a new water treatment facility was being built in Pokok Sena and would be completed in 18 months.

He added that the authorities were also studying the possibility of tapping underground water in Tupah, Merbok.