Malaysia: Hari Raya water disruption for thousands in Kedah

G.C. TAN The Star 5 Jul 16;

ALOR SETAR: Some 20,000 homes in several areas in the state will face water disruption during the current festive season.

State Housing and Local Government, Water Supply and Water Resources and Energy Committee chairman Datuk Badrol Hisham Hashim said the 20,000 affected homes are account holders of Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada) in Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Merbok and Baling.

He cited increased usage by the balik kampung folk for the Hari Raya holiday.

"To overcome the problem, Sada has been ordered to send water tankers to the affected areas," he said at a "Jom Bakar Lemang" event with the media in Kuala Nerang on Monday.

He said the water concessionaire has also been instructed to ensure that all affected consumers, including surau and mosques, receive water supply throughout the Hari Raya season.

Badrol Hisham also said that the state government is building a water treatment facility in Pokok Sena, which will take 18 months to complete as a long-term solution to the water shortage problem in the state.

"Other alternatives are being studied, including underground water sources in Tupah, Merbok," he added.

More water lorries to the rescue
The Star 6 Jul 16;

ALOR SETAR: The state government has instructed Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (SADA) to use more lorries to ferry water to areas facing shortages.

State Housing and Local Government, Water Supply and Water Resources and Energy committee chairman Datuk Badrol Hisham Hashim said Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Merbok and Baling had been identified as the critical areas.

“The water shortage is caused by increased demand as many have returned home for the Raya celebrations.”

He said about 5,000 homes in the areas were affected.

“To overcome the problem, SADA has been told to increase the numbers of lorries sending water to the affected areas.

“SADA must ensure that all affected consumers including suraus and mosques receive enough water throughout Raya.

“We want SADA to supply water according to the needs of the customers and not based on a timetable,” Badrol Hisham said during a ‘Jom Bakar Lemang’ programme with the media on Monday.

He said a new water treatment facility was being built in Pokok Sena and would be completed in 18 months.

He added that the authorities were also studying the possibility of tapping underground water in Tupah, Merbok.