PETALING JAYA: Residents' associations in the Klang Valley strongly feel that all possible efforts should be taken to avoid water rationing.

Many described the move as drastic and said other measures like water conservation and public awareness should be considered first.

Subang Jaya Residents Association head A.S. Gill was surprised that there was a water crisis, considering it had been raining of late.

“Water rationing would cause serious hardship,” Gill said, “especially since most houses are not designed to store rainwater properly, and water tanks usually hold enough supply for only half a day.”

He said long-term integrated plans were necessary to deal with the country's water problems.

It was reported yesterday that water concessionaire Syabas was seeking permission to start water rationing immediately as reserve levels at 34 treatment plants in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya were way below safety levels.

Taman Megah Residents Association head Francis Lee said rationing could be avoided if Malaysians conserved water properly.

“Residents should be conscious that water is a very valuable resource, and save it in any way they can.

“If each household can save about 40 litres a day, it can go a very long way,” said Lee.

Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association president Mumtaz Ali suggested a pipe replacement programme, saying pipes in areas like Bangsar were decades-old and leaked frequently.

Former Sri Petaling Resident Association president Len Nyok Chong hoped that any water rationing would be coordinated properly.

He said it was necessary for residents to be informed of the nature and time of water disruptions.

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