Car wash centre operators get ready to face water crisis

Car wash centres here have started taking austerity measures to save water as preparation to face the El Nino which was expected to hit the country soon.

A Bernama survey at several locations in and around the federal capital revealed that most of the car wash centres had began to get water storage tanks on standby even though the water supply was still under control.

Car wash centre operator, Azri Alias, 31, said his car wash centre was getting ready two water tanks for storage.

"We have also started to minimise our water usage when operating our business," he told Bernama here Sunday.

According to another operator, known only as Ravi, his centre would use water buckets as an alternative to replace water pumps when washing all vehicles. "Although using the bucket is quite slow, our customers understand and the end result is much better as a move to reduce the quantity of water used," he said.

In facing the dry spell and possibility of a water crisis recurrence, car wash centre operator Shahruddin Ishak, 52, would close his business for a half a day on certain days as a step to save water.

However, his premises would be opened for local residents who urgently needed water supply from his big storage tanks, he said.

Shahruddin also hoped the Selangor government's signing of the memorandum of understanding regarding restructuring of the Selangor water with the federal government to resolve the issue would proceed.

"Business like ours really needs water as a source and if the water crisis frequently occur, our business will also be affected," he added.