Water rationing should never happen in a country like Malaysia where it rains like cats and dogs every other day.
The Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) president S. Piarapakaran said the government's lack of planning when it comes to water management has led to the current problem that the country is facing.
"Even during the early civilisation days where there is no technology, people know when a drought and dry season is coming and they build dams to counter it.
"If they can do it at that time, failing to do so now when the technology is so advanced is quite shameful," he told Astro AWANI.
Piarapakaran said part of the problem is more and more natural forest that control their own climate are being cut down.
"Water vapour from the forest moves up and it will rain by itself and flow into rivers.
"When we cut down forest, it is not a full entity. Its like cutting of a human's limb. It's incomplete. When forest is cut down, it directly affects the water cycle," he said.
He added that among the things that should be done immediately, is all state governments should gazette water catchment areas and ban any sort of human activities near the areas.
"Currently, not all water catchment areas are gazetted amd all state governments must gazette the water catchment areas (including forest, rivers, lakes, etc.) as permanent reserve by end of year 2015.
"These areas must also take into consideration of future need for raw water. No human activities should be allowed in these gazetted areas including recreational activities. As population grows in number, our demand for water grows as well.
"This also means the need to gazette more water catchment areas will increase in tandem with population growth to ensure raw water security," he said.
Piarapakaran said failure to take these sort of preventive measure may lead to worse situations such as higher crime rates as people are not afraid to fight for basic water.
Today, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim announced that the state is to enforce water rationing throughout the state tomorrow in areas where there has been disruption since Feb 7.
He said water would be rationed in stages so that all areas would receive supply every two days.
Khalid said the rationing would go on until such time that the state government felt the need to discontinue it with the advent of the rainy season, most probably at the end of March.
The Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan is also mulling water rationing in parts of Tampin and Rembau if the water level at the Gemencheh dam continues to dip.
He said the state authorities would be left with no other option but to do so if the dry spell continued.
T K Letchumy Tamboo
Mon Feb 24 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.