Malaysia: Negri Sembilan dams nearing critical levels, water rationing may start

The Star 10 Mar 16;

SEREMBAN: Consumers in Negri Sembilan have been told to be prudent with water usage as the dry spell has left water levels worryingly low.

Five dams in the state have fallen dangerously close to critical while the level at the dam in Gemencheh, which supplies raw water to treatment plants and for consumers in Tampin and parts of Rembau, has been below the critical level for months now.

The five dams close to critical are Sg Terip, Kelinchi, Talang, Teriang and Sg Berinigin.

Only the Ulu Sepri dam remains unaffected by the dry weather.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the absence of rainfall in all water catchment areas in the state over the past two weeks had compounded matters.

He said that if the unusually dry conditions persisted, these dams would only be able to supply raw water to the respective treatment plants for another three to four weeks.

“Please be frugal when consuming water as the prolonged dry weather has caused water levels at almost all rivers to fall drastically.

“We will consider if there is a need to ration water once we get a report from Syarikat Air Negri Sembilan in the next few days,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting.

He said the water level along the Ulu Sg Muar river had also fallen drastically.

“We have five pump houses along the river and some of these are unable to function due to the drop in water level,” he said.

Mohamad added that as a remedial measure, his administration would encourage more

Negri Sembilan may consider water rationing in two weeks, if dry spell continues: MB
NUR AQIDAH AZIZI New Straits Times 9 Mar 16;

SEREMBAN: Negri Sembilan will consider imposing water rationing in two weeks, if the dry spell continues.

Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the incessant hot weather had resulted in the decline of the water level at various dams in the state.

“Several dams in the state will be able to last between 20 to 35 days, before the water level decreases to critical levels.

We are observing the condition and water rationing is likely to be imposed if there is no rainfall in the next two weeks or if the water level hits the critical level,” said Mohamad. “We have no intention to cause trouble to the public.

But this move is needed to ensure that the state’s water supply can last longer,” he said at a press conference after chairing the EXCO meeting at Wisma Negeri today.

He said all mosques in the state were required to perform ‘Solat Hajat’ this Friday, to end the long drought.

He also urged the public to use water wisely to avoid water wastage.