Malaysia: Johor govt to ensure enough water supply despite falling dam levels

remar nordin The Star 21 Feb 19;

JOHOR BARU: The state government is working closely with water operator Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd and the Johor Water Regulatory Body (Bakaj) to monitor the water supply situation here.

State International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairman Jimmy Puah Wee Tse (pic) said despite the long dry spell and falling levels at four dams, the government will ensure there is enough water supply in the state.

The four dams affected by the hot weather are Sungai Lebam, Upper Layang, Sembrong Barat and Lok Heng.

Puah said that the water level at Sungai Lebam was at 11.2m (critical level - 9.6m), Upper Layang at 22m (critical level - 19m), Sembrong Barat at 8.5m (critical level - 7.3m) and Lok Heng at 2.2m (critical level 1.5m).

"We held a meeting on Feb 20 and 21 to come up with measures to ensure there is no water disruption in the state," Puah said in a statement on Thursday.

"If necessary, we will transfer water from the Seluyut river to the Upper Layang dam.

"The completed construction of a three-tube well at Lok Heng will also be able to supply 0.9mil litres of underground water as a back-up for the Lok Heng area," he added.

Puah also urged the public to be more prudent in their usage of water during this dry season.

Sungai Lebam is the source of water for Penawar and the Sungai Rengit area, while Upper Layang channelled water to Pasir Gudang and Johor Baru.

Sembrong Barat supplies water to Kluang and parts of Ayer Hitam while Lok Heng supplies water to Felda Lok Heng, Felda Wa Ha and Felda Bukit Easter.