Tough for government to guarantee no water interruptions during El Nino - Mahdzir

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.