Cabinet to discuss water crisis on Wednesday

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said on Friday the government viewed the current water crisis in several states as serious and would discuss the issue at the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

He said the meeting would also adopt follow-up action and measures to overcome the problem.

He said the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry was looking into the matter and would report back on the actual situation.

"We are ready to carry out cloud-seeding, but for that there must be rain clouds," he said after chairing an Umno Supreme Council meeting at Menara Dato Onn, here.

Najib was asked to comment on the water crisis in several states due to the prolonged drought.

Najib said all mosques held 'solat hajat' (special prayers) today, and he asked the people to also hold such prayers in facing the situation.

"The people must voluntarily exercise prudence in the use of water. They can reduce the use of water during this time of drought," he said.

When asked on the possibility of declaring an emergency, Najib said the government would evaluate the current situation before making a decision.