LANGKAWI: As the Chinese New Year approaches, both residents and tourism players on the resort island are eager for the water shortage issue to be resolved as soon as possible.
Ali Hadi Sjamsul Bahari, a 31-year-old homestay operator, expressed frustration at the long-standing water shortage problem on the island without any viable solution in sight. He mentioned having installed water tanks and pumps to alleviate the water pressure issue in the affected area.
Nor Athira Abdul Nasir, a 28-year-old budget hotel operator, also emphasized the urgency of securing uninterrupted water supply for residents and businesses in the area, especially as Langkawi is a popular destination for local and foreign tourists alike.
Another resident, who only wished to be identified as Valideshu, recounted their experience of being without water for days and having to resort to staying in a hotel during that time.
Mohamad Yusoff@Munir Zakaria, the state water supply and resources committee chairman, attributed the water shortage to the ongoing El Nino phenomenon, leading to a decrease in the supply of raw water and a drop in water levels in Sungai Melaka. He also mentioned a leak in the undersea pipe, adding to the complexities of the situation.
In order to address the immediate water supply issues, Mohamad Yusoff stated that measures have been implemented, such as sending water tankers from the mainland to Langkawi and using a generator to increase raw water supply to the water treatment plant during the festive season.
He also pointed out that the state government is looking into upgrading the water infrastructure on the island as a long-term solution to prevent water shortages in the future.
