ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor’s water supply remains stable despite the state experiencing more than a month without significant rainfall, says state works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
The Bukit Pasir assemblyman added that all dams and water treatment plants in the state are operating normally, with no immediate disruptions to supply reported so far.
“At the moment, all our dams and water treatment plants are functioning well,” he said after witnessing the handover ceremony of a concrete bridge along Jalan Gelang Patah-Pendas here on Tuesday (Feb 3).
Mohamad Fazli added that Johor’s dams are designed with reserve margins capable of sustaining water supply for between three and six months during dry periods.
“This is the standard reserve margin that we have. Even during dry spells, we are still within a manageable range,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the state has now gone more than a month without rain, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and coordination.
“As a precaution, we will begin coordinating contingency measures to identify areas that may need to be placed on standby should there be any reduction in water treatment plant operations,” he said.
Of the 16 dams in Johor, Mohamad Fazli said four are currently at levels requiring closer attention, with capacities below 60%.
“These four dams are at levels that need to be monitored more carefully, but the situation is still under control,” he said.
He added that the dams, including Upper Layang (46.89%), Lower Layang (60.33%), Pulai 1 (47.63%) and Gunung Pulai (56%), fall under the management of the Johor Water Regulatory Body (Bakaj).
Mohamad Fazli also said he would be chairing a special coordination meeting to ensure early preparedness in the event of further deterioration in water levels.
“This is to make sure we are ready and can act early if there is a need to adjust operations,” he added.
Regarding cloud seeding, Mohamad Fazli said it remains one of the options under consideration to address the dry conditions.
“Cloud seeding has been proposed, but it depends on certain requirements and weather conditions,” he said.
He explained that factors such as strong winds during the dry season could affect the effectiveness of cloud seeding operations.
“There are cases where cloud seeding is done in one area, but rainfall occurs elsewhere. These technical factors need to be taken into account,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli said the proposal would be discussed further at an upcoming coordination meeting involving relevant agencies.
He also assured the public that the state government would continue to provide updates should there be any changes to the water supply situation.
“We want to assure the public that the situation is being closely monitored and managed,” he said.
Residents are also advised to practise prudent water usage, particularly during the current dry spell, to help ensure continued supply stability.
