By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 30: A total of 119 water tankers have been mobilised across Sarawak, with cross-divisional assistance and additional tanker support from other agencies being coordinated to optimise deployment to affected areas.
In a statement, the Ministry of Utility and Communication Sarawak (MUT) said the State’s dry spell is expected to extend until 2027 due to El Niño conditions, prompting the Sarawak government to intensify mitigation measures to ensure continuity of water supply.
It said that water levels at several raw water sources are declining. However, major water supply dams, namely Bengoh, Gerugu, Assyakirin, and Sika, are currently recording normal water levels.
“Areas under the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB) that rely on small rivers are more susceptible to declining water levels.
“The Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication, together with JBALB and Sarawak Water, are closely monitoring raw water intakes and strengthening contingency measures including deploying additional water tankers, maximising water storage facilities and coordinating alternative water supply arrangements where necessary,” it said.
The ministry added that to date, nine centres have been established in Sri Aman with 13 more locations identified in Betong, and JBALB will continue to assess conditions on the ground and establish additional centres where necessary.
It said that the ongoing response to the prolonged dry weather is also being coordinated with key agencies including the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), and Sarawak Energy.
The ministry also noted that cloud seeding operations are tentatively scheduled from Sept 3-5, subject to suitable weather and atmospheric conditions, to support the replenishment of water sources.
“We need to revisit the potential development of selected dams and strategic water storage infrastructure to increase storage capacity, diversify raw water sources and adopt the latest technologies to ensure resilient and sustainable water supply to meet future demand, even during prolonged droughts,” said MUT Minister Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi.
Communities are also urged to use water prudently, report supply issues through local leaders and relevant agencies and support conservation efforts, particularly in areas where water sources are under pressure.
For 24-hour enquiries or assistance, consumers may contact JBALB at 082 – 262111, Sarawak Water Call Centre at 082 – 222333, or 1-300-88-2020 (effective Sept 1). — DayakDaily
