IPOH: The state government will not intervene to restore Taiping, Peninsular Malaysia’s wettest spot, to its former glory as a lush tropical town, says the Perak Mentri Besar.
“Just let nature take its course to replenish the water bodies at the Taiping Lake Gardens,” said Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad when asked whether there was any need to conduct cloud seeding operations there.
Yesterday, The Star reported that the iconic lake gardens resembled a dry field after a prolonged dry season over the northern part of Perak.
Saarani said there is no urgent need to replenish water levels at the Lake Gardens, unlike for reservoirs serving rice growing areas, such as the Bukit Merah Lake near Bagan Serai.
“The dam serves as a water source for the agricultural sector, including padi fields and farms.
“The lake, meanwhile, is more for leisure,” he told a press conference after attending a Perak Women Townhall here yesterday.
“Cloud seeding is also expensive, so just let it be. Allow the water to return naturally through rainfall,” he said, adding that the state has requested that the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry conduct cloud seeding over Bukit Merah.
According to Pokok Assam assemblyman Ong Seng Guan, Taiping has not rained in the last two weeks.
Several rivers and waterfalls near Bukit Larut have also dried up.
Saarani also said the Perak Water Board’s underground water plant in Gunung Semanggol would not solve the water shortage at Bukit Merah.
“The water there would only be sufficient to cater to the surrounding area,” he said.
Separately, Saarani said a women’s development centre will be set up at Taman SSI here, following a request made during the town hall.
“There is a bungalow that belonged to the State Secretary Incorporation (SSI) that was formerly used as a welfare home.
“It is no longer in use and can be renovated. The location is suitable, and it can be done as soon as possible,’ he added.
