It is tough for the government to guarantee that the dams and storage tanks will be sufficient during the El Nino phenomenon especially if it continues for half a year.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said cooperation from all quarters are vital in succumbing to the dry spell.
“The question is, if the El Nino persists for six months would water supply sufficient?
“At present, the percentage of the water level in the Klang Valley and Selangor dam are at 43%. If El Nino continues for another six months, how will we face it?
“I urge the public to save water,” said Mahdzir during the question and answer session at the Dewan Negara today.
Mahdzir gave his assurance that the government is taking precautionary measures to face the phenomenon.
Mahdzir said the measures taken are by establishing a national committee which was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on May 15 following its maiden meeting on Monday.
“The establishment of the committee is aimed at monitoring and taking precautionary steps in facing the situation.
“Through this committee also, all precautionary steps in facing the El Nino will be coordinated in all states.
“For example, we will receive a record of the amount of water in each dam. We would be able to gauge the total amount of raw water for the usage of a certain duration and if it can last during the phenomenon,” said Mahdzir in response to a question by DAP vice-president Senator Dr Ariffin S.M Omar on the government’s move in ensuring sufficient water supply at the water dams.
The present hot spell felt across the country is not caused by the El Nino phenomenon but by the Southwest monsoon, he said.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) had earlier predicted that the El Nino phenomenon which could possibly happen during the middle of this year could prolong between six and 18 months.
The worst effect of the El Nino phenomenon was seen between 1997 and 1998 where a major part of the country was not just hit with persistent hot spell and haze.
Astro Awani
Tue Jun 24 2014
The hot spell has caused the reappearance of haze particularly evident in the Klang Valley and Selangor. - Astro AWANI
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.