KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is being urged to take contingency measures to ensure the water supply is not disrupted, as meteorologists are anticipating reduced rainfall during the coming north-east monsoon.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said a 20% reduction in rainfall is expected during the monsoon that begins next month and ends in March next year.
In view of the forecast, he said state governments should prepare for potential disruptions to the water supply over the next five months of the monsoon period.
“This is due to concerns that a reduced rainfall could affect the availability of raw water in reservoirs and rivers that serve as sources for water treatment plants,” he said.
Armizan said state governments should get a more detailed report from the Meteorological Department of Malaysia (MetMalaysia) to identify areas that are expected to be significantly affected by drought.
“This is crucial for ensuring early plans are in place to address the risk of water supply disruptions in the affected areas.”
The weather forecast for the northeast monsoon was disclosed by MetMalaysia in a disaster management committee meeting on Oct 17.