JOHOR BARU: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is in constant contact with water companies to closely monitor water levels nationwide, says Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
The Deputy Energy and Water Transformation Minister said this is to better manage water supply and plan mitigation efforts, especially during the current dry season.
He said that realigning the water supply operations to ensure it can be supplied to affected areas, as well as cloud seeding operations are among the mitigation measures that could be taken
“However, measures like cloud seeding will only be done if required and involve various government agencies.
“This means that if there is a need for it, we will propose it to the relevant authorities and proceed from there,” he told reporters during his visit to the Kampung Melayu Majidee market upgrading project on Sunday (July 28).
ALSO READ: New strategies for water management
He was asked about his ministry’s efforts to ensure the water supply is adequate for public consumption during the hot weather.
He added that previously, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu announced a cloud seeding operation in Kelantan in June to address the prolonged drought affecting padi farmers there.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued a Level 1 hot weather alert for several districts in Kelantan, Penang, Perak, Selangor, and Pahang on July 26.
A Level 1 warning is issued when temperatures at a location are between 35°C and 37°C for three consecutive days.
According to MetMalaysia’s drought monitoring report issued on July 11, Malaysia is currently in the southwest monsoon phase, leading to fewer rainy days across most parts of the country.
The southwest monsoon is expected to continue until mid-September.
