Close watch on dam levels

Valuable resource: A file photo of residents getting their water supply from a tanker in Johor Baru. Inset: Akmal Nasrullah.

JOHOR BARU: The Federal Government is currently monitoring the water levels of dams nationwide through the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and state agencies, says Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.

Cloud seeding, said the Deputy Energy and Water Transformation Minister, would only be carried out if required.

This comes as the government announced cloud seeding for several areas in Kedah and Perak for three consecutive days starting today to increase the water levels of the Bukit Merah and Muda Dams for agricultural and domestic use.

“Cloud seeding will only be done if required and the operations involve various government agencies.

“Meaning if there is a need for it, we will propose it to the relevant authorities and take it from there,” said Akmal Nasrullah, who is also Johor Baru MP.

In June, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu had also announced a cloud seeding operation in Kelantan over several areas to address the prolonged drought affecting padi farmers there.

SPAN, added Akmal Nasrullah, is also in constant contact with water concessionaires to ensure efficient water management and supply nationwide.

This, he said, is also for SPAN to better manage water supply and plan mitigation efforts, especially during the current dry season.

“Among the mitigation measures that can be taken include realigning water supply to the affected areas as well as cloud seeding,” he told reporters during a visit to the Kampung Melayu Majidee market upgrading project here yesterday.

Akmal Nasrullah was responding to questions about his ministry’s efforts to ensure adequate water supply for public consumption during the current hot weather.

“I also appreciate water concessionaires for taking the initiative to take pre-emptive measures, such as reminding consumers to use water efficiently during the dry spell that is expected to go on for some time,” he added.

According to the Meteorological Department’s drought monitoring report issued on July 11, Malaysia is currently in the southwest monsoon phase, leading to fewer rainy days across most parts of the country.

The southwest monsoon is expected to continue until mid-September.