ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor’s water supply remains stable despite having no significant rainfall for more than a month, says state works, transportation, infrastructure and communications committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
He said all dams and water treatment plants in the state are still operating normally, with no immediate disruptions to supply reported so far.
“Johor’s dams are designed with reserve margins capable of sustaining water supply between three and six months during dry periods,” said Mohamad Fazli.
“This is the standard reserve margin that we have.
“Even during dry spells, we are still within a manageable range,” he said after witnessing the handover of a concrete bridge along Jalan Gelang Patah-Pendas here yesterday.
Mohamad Fazli said there has been no rain in Johor for more than a month, prompting authorities to step up monitoring and coordination efforts.
“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.
Out of the 16 dams across Johor, Mohamad Fazli said four are currently at levels that require closer attention, with the levels under 60%.
“These four dams are at levels that need to be monitored more carefully, but the situation is still under control,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli 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.
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.
Cloud seeding, Mohamad Fazli said, remains an option to address the dry conditions.
“Cloud seeding has been proposed, but it depends on certain requirements and weather conditions,” he said.
Mohamad Fazli 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 at the upcoming coordination meeting involving relevant agencies.
He 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.”
Residents are advised to practise prudent water usage, particularly during the current dry spell, to help ensure a continued stable supply.
