Malaysia: No dry taps during Raya for Mersing folk

HALIM SAID New Straits Times 16 Jun 16;

JOHOR BARU: Although the water level at Chongok Dam is below critical level, residents in Mersing can rest assured that their taps will not be dry during Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

This is because SAJ Holdings has decided to temporarily lift the one month-long rationing exercise that was scheduled for June 16 until July 15.

The first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on July 6, and residents affected by the rationing exercise will get ample water supply for their festive needs.

SAJ Holdings chief executive officer Abdul Wahab Abdul Hamid said the company had earlier extended the rationing exercise in parts of Mersing, which gets its treated water from the Tenglu Water Treatment Plant, which in turn gets its source of water from the Chongok Dam.

The level at the Chongok Dam continues to fall below critical level due to the hot weather.

Wahab said that for the time being, the level at the dam remains below the critical level of 4.88m, as the water level presently stands at 3.63m.

"Although the level still low, there are positive signs as the level gradually increases due to frequent rainfall near the dam's catchment areas," said Wahab at the SAJ buka puasa event at Restaurant Selasih in Seri Gelam, here.

Wahab said the temporary lift on the rationing exercise will start on June 29 until July 9 where on the following day, the rationing exercise will resume as scheduled.

The rationing in Mersing which is affecting 15,000 residents and over 3,000 account holders, is the only remaining rationing exercise taking place at the moment.