Cloud seeding operations are underway in Johor to tackle a severe water shortage affecting thousands in Felda Lok Heng and Felda Waha, with a new desalination unit also activated
KOTA TINGGI: Cloud seeding operations are targeting areas around the Lok Heng Water Treatment Plant today and tomorrow to alleviate a critical water shortage. The dry spell has disrupted supply for over 4,000 consumers in Felda Lok Heng and Felda Waha since early April.
The operations will also cover several other key water sources in the state. These include the Upper Layang, Machap, Seluyut, Lebam, and Linggiu Dams, as well as the Gembut water treatment plant.
Kota Tinggi MP Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the dates were chosen as cloud formations were previously too thin. “Let us all pray and seek the Almighty’s help so that this water supply disruption can be overcome,” he said in a statement.
The Defence Minister detailed other mitigation efforts undertaken by the state and agencies. These included using groundwater from tube wells and attempting to transfer water from Sungai Lukah.
Both alternative methods had to be discontinued due to limited sources and high salinity. The high salt content in the river water made it unsuitable for treatment with the plant’s existing facilities.
To address the crisis, water operator Ranhill SAJ has deployed a desalination unit at the Lok Heng plant. This unit is expected to produce two million litres of treated water daily.
Mohamed Khaled acknowledged the desalination plant’s implementation faced slight delays. He said the effort is expected to help restore and stabilise supply as soon as possible.
