KUCHING, Aug 16: The prevailing dry weather in the state is expected to last until October.
Utilities Minister Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom has urged consumers to conserve and use water prudently such as by reducing outdoor watering over this period.
“Where there are any pipe leakages, the public are urged to report to water authorities so repair works can be carried out immediately,” he advised in a media release today.
He revealed that the current dry spell has affected water supplies in several areas due to low water level of rivers, ground water level or saline intrusion at Telok Melano, Sri Aman, Pantu, Selangau, Penibong, Kuala Balingian and Suai under the Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB).
Rundi pointed out that JBALB has undertaken mitigating measures such as building temporary weir or dredging near the raw water intakes to deepen the area nearby where feasible.
Currently, the water supply situations for areas under the jurisdiction of Kuching Water Board (KWB), Sibu Water Board (SWB) and LAKU Management Sdn Bhd in Bintulu, Miri and Limbang were not affected.
“The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, including raw water source supplies at their intakes,” he said.
“All water supply authorities have put in place the Strategic Drought Contingency plans. Where there is disruption caused by the current dry spell, water will be delivered using tankers as an immediate measure,” he assured.
The public can make an enquiry or report by contacting the respective Water Supply Authorities Hotline at LAKU Miri (085-426626/436626), LAKU Bintulu/Samalaju (086-31816), LAKU Limbang (085-215633/215644/211601), Kuching Water Board (082-222333), Sibu Water Board (084-216311), or JBALB Operations Room (082-263078). — DayakDaily
