MELAKA: Treated water supply in the historic city remains stable and sufficient to meet current demand despite the recent dry spell, says Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer.
Melaka works, infrastructure, public amenities and transport committee chairman said early measures, including contingency planning, have been put in place to ensure adequate supply following a lack of rainfall.
He said water levels at the state’s three main dams had declined between 10% and 30%, prompting proactive steps by the authorities.
“Among the measures undertaken are pumping water from dual-function ponds as well as sourcing water from Sungai Gersik in Muar, of which 40% is channelled to the Merlimau treatment plant.
"For the Bertam treatment plant, water is currently being drawn from dual-function ponds and released into Sungai Melaka to support existing levels,” he said on Saturday (March 28).
Hameed added that contingency plans would be activated if necessary, particularly in the absence of rainfall, including pumping water from existing catchment ponds in areas such as Ayer Keroh and Nyalas.
He said according to forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Melaka is expected to receive rainfall again in early April.
“We hope the projected rainfall will materialise and help replenish the three main dams to full capacity,” he said.
He added that the current supply is expected to remain sufficient until November, ahead of the monsoon season.
“Cloud seeding operations will only be considered as a last resort if there is no rainfall.
"For now, water supply in the state remains adequate within the projected period,” he added.
