Malaysia: Melaka safe from scorching heat wave, water supply adequate, says Idris Haron

Kelly Koh New Straits Times 25 Oct 17;

MELAKA: As locals continue to brave the scorching heat wave, which the Malaysian Meteorological Department had said was the side effect of Typhoon Lan, there is however no fear of possible water shortage in the stage.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said water level at all three dams in the state are at a safe level and remain under close supervision of the Melaka Regulatory Body and relevant agencies.

“At the moment, water level at all the three dams is under control. They are still at a safe level and is far from reaching the drought alert,” he told a press conference after chairing the state executive council meeting at Seri Negeri Wednesday.

As of 9.43am today, Idris said water level at the Durian Tunggal dam was at 88.2 per cent, while the Jus dam and the Asahan dam were at 95.2 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively.

“Water level at all the dams us above critical level and adequate, so there is no need for panic,” he said.

He added that compared to the previous year with the El Nino phenomenon, it was worse because there the water level at the Jus dam went down to below 50 per cent.

“We were worried because during the same period last year, water level at Jus dam was only at 48 per cent.

“This time, there have been mechanisms to have water pumped back to the dams to ensure adequate supply,” he said.