Hot weather, dry spells put water supply at risk - Expert
Sabah faces critical water shortage, other states at risk as drought persists
SHAH ALAM - Malaysia faces a potential water crisis as hot weather and prolonged drought threaten surface water resources.
Water expert Datuk Dr Azuhan Mohamed stressed the urgent need for a more efficient water management system, with a focus on developing and sustainably utilising underground water resources.
"Our current reliance on surface water, almost entirely dependent on rainfall, leaves us vulnerable during dry spells.
"We must explore and develop underground water sources as a reliable backup," he said when contacted on Monday.
Azuhan acknowledged past concerns from Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) regarding potential hygiene issues with tapping underground water.
However, he stressed that established treatment processes exist to address these concerns.
States at risk
Azuhan also identified Sabah as facing the most severe water shortage, potentially becoming critical within the next two months if rain doesn't arrive.
He listed Kedah, Penang, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Kelantan as states at risk of water supply issues if the drought continues.
In a related matter, Azuhan also urged the public to actively participate in water conservation efforts by promptly reporting any leaking pipes to their water providers.
This will help minimise water loss and maximise available resources during the drought.