By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Feb 8 — Selangor is well-equipped to face any potential prolonged droughts caused by the El Nino phenomenon, which is forecasted beginning this quarter, with water reserves capable of meeting the population’s needs for approximately nine months.
State executive councillor for infrastructure Izham Hashim said the state’s reservoirs have the capability of storing water reserves sufficient for six months, with additional backup from water storage ponds that can last an additional three months.
“We are currently ensuring the continuous supply of water to meet our needs when required,” he told reporters during a working visit to the Sungai Klang conservation project site, here, today.
Izham said the efforts by the Selangor government to ensure sufficient supply are also in line with a study conducted by the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (Nahrim), which predicts a drought affecting the country in 2026.
“We are planning and preparing; the last drought struck the country in 2014, and the cycle of this phenomenon is expected to occur again, so we are making advance preparations and hoping for a less severe impact,” he said.
In line with this, Izham said the state government has taken several initiatives and initiated a number of projects to ensure a continuous supply of clean water in Selangor under any circumstances, including droughts.
These include the construction of the Sungai Rasau Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Phase 1, which is set for completion by 2025, Pulau Ketam Desalination Treatment Plant (by 2026), Sungai Rasau WTP Phase 2 (by 2028), and Labohan Dagang WTP Phase 2 (by 2029).
Previously, the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) had forecasted drier weather conditions in Malaysia in February, despite potential downpour and flooding in some parts of the country.
MetMalaysia reportedly said the forecast follows the northeast monsoon phenomenon, which is expected to end in March, and rising heat conditions due to the El Nino.
