‘Don’t panic over rationing’

Hoarding water will only make things worse, consumers told

PETALING JAYA: Consumers should not panic if water rationing is announced to avoid worsening the situation.

Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran said despite Hari Raya coming soon, consumers should avoid hoarding water.

“Panic storage will unnecessarily increase water demand and plunge the already fragile system into a crisis mode,” he said.

Instead, those who are affected should follow instructions from the authorities when rationing takes place.

“This is to ensure the water distribution system can cope with the demand,” he said yesterday.

If rationing is announced, Piarapakaran said 50% of consumers should be supplied with treated water for Day One and Day Two and the supply should be cut off for Days Three and Four.

“The water pressure will be increased to normal level and 50% of the consumers would be able to store water needed for the two days that they will endure without water.

“For Day Three and Day Four, the remaining 50% of consumers will get water. If all 100% of consumers are supplied with water at low pressure, many will not get water due to the low pressure,” he said.

Piarapakaran said the authorities should have learnt from previous water crisis experiences.

On Wednesday, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) suggested water rationing to the Selangor government to alleviate water disruption faced by residents in Hulu Langat and Kuala Lumpur, especially around Semenyih, Beranang, Kajang, Langat and Balakong.

“SPAN is sympathetic towards those in affected areas, especially those who live in high-rise buildings. We are suggesting water rationing so that everyone can get water alternately,” said its chairman Datuk Ismail Kassim.

The move, he said, would enable consumers to have water through their pipes for two days, eliminating the need for them to wait for supply from tankers or having to carry water to their homes.

However, Ismail said the commission would need the state authority’s approval before carrying out the rationing.