MELAKA: A new dam and desalination system are among the solutions being explored to address Melaka's perennial water woes, says Melaka Smart City Advisory Council chairman Khoo Poay Tiong (pic).
He said the water scarcity in Melaka has been made worse by rapid development and growing urban population as well as climate change.
"Hence, we looking into technology to address the depleting water resources in the state," he said when interviewed here on Wednesday (Jan 29).
Khoo, who is also Kota Melaka MP, said an immediate solution must be looked into as water shortage has a profound impact on the economic development of the state.
"I have invited universities and technical experts to introduce new technologies.
Khoo noted that per-capita water availability will be reduced dramatically in the next decade if nothing is done now.
The freshwater availability in forms of rainfall and groundwater resources could be channelled to reservoirs using the latest technology, he said.
"We can conserve the resources in specially designed bunds and reservoirs," he said.
Khoo said he is working with experts to implement ideas to increase water efficiency including recycling wastewater and managing groundwater resources.
He said the council is also looking into desalination method.
"We are hoping to come up with an affirmative water action plan by next year to avoid any rationing exercise in the future," he added.
On Tuesday (Jan 28) Melaka Chief Minister Adly Zahari said the state government is placing the utmost effort to ensure that the water rationing exercise starting today will be only a temporary measure.
He said the state government is confident of resolving the water issue as soon as possible with various measure including the transfer of water inflow from Sungai Gersik in Johor and Tasik Biru in Chinchin, Jasin, here.
He said the current level at the main supply hub-Durian Tunggal Dam had reached a critical level of 39%.
Adly said the rationing is warranted with the usage trend of one per cent daily.
"We are trying to halve the usage as a temporary measure so that the supply lasts longer," he added.
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