KOTA BARU: The existing water treatment capacity in Kelantan remains insufficient to meet current consumer demand, according to state Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Dr Izani Husin.
He said the 43 existing water treatment plants (LRA) operated by Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) are currently capable of producing only 529 million litres of water per day, resulting in supply disruptions in several districts, including Tumpat and Pasir Mas.
"So far, only Jeli and Gua Musang are reported to be in good condition. Overall, our water resources are still insufficient to be fully channelled to consumers.
"As such, we have to manage water distribution based on current needs in affected areas,” he told reporters after officiating a briefing on the current water supply status in Kelantan and AKSB’s Aidiladha preparations here today.
Izani said the state government initiated construction of 17 additional water treatment plants in 2023 to increase water supply capacity.
He said all the plants are expected to be completed by 2030, bringing the total number of treatment plants in Kelantan to 60, with a combined production capacity of 884 million litres per day.
"We expect the additional supply to significantly reduce water issues, although they may not be fully resolved,” he said.
On preparations for Aidiladha, Izani said the state government, in collaboration with state assemblymen, had identified locations for the installation of static water tanks.
He also encouraged AKSB consumers to use the MyAKSB application to facilitate complaints, bill payments, account checks and direct notifications on supply disruptions.
"Only 10 per cent, or 30,000 out of nearly 300,000 AKSB account holders, have downloaded the application so far,” he said, adding that complaints and criticism on social media without detailed information make it difficult for AKSB to take follow-up action. - Bernama
