JOHOR BARU: Consumers are urged to use water wisely as the intense heat is expected to stretch until October.
State works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh said at present, the water levels in the state’s dams are sufficient but people should not waste water.
“Since we are in for the long haul, I hope consumers can store water as a preventive measure and avoid using water excessively.
“They can use rainwater or other water sources besides treated water for chores such as washing their car or watering their plants.
“It is wise to harvest rainwater for these purposes as Johor still receives rain from time to time,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli added that water tariffs remain the same and reminded consumers that they will be paying a higher price with increased usage as the billing rate differs according to the band.
According to the Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd website, the rate for domestic accounts is 80sen per cubic metre for zero to 20 cubic metres of water used, RM2 for 21 to 35 cubic metres, followed by RM3 for usage above 35 cubic metres.
The Singapore-based Asean Specialised Meteorological Centre has forecast a high likelihood of El Nino conditions developing in the coming months where the dry season is expected to be more intense and prolonged compared with recent years and to extend into October.
El Nino is the global weather phenomenon that brings hotter and drier weather to South-East Asia and Australia.
Previously, The Star reported that consumers are taking more showers and watering their plants more frequently as the sweltering weather continues.
Some consumers reportedly saw an increase in their water bills.
On May 15, Johor Water Regulatory Body (Bakaj) director Natazha Hariss said the state’s dams are at healthy levels despite the ongoing heat.
He also advised the public to use water wisely to avoid any rationing.
Johor has 11 dams under Bakaj, another four under the Irrigation and Drainage Department, and one each under Petronas and the Singapore Public Utilities Board.
