Water levels at Perak’s four main dams remain controlled and sufficient for domestic needs despite recent hot weather, says state exco.
IPOH: Water release at the four main dams in Perak is at a controlled level and remains sufficient for domestic needs. This is despite several districts recording Level One hot weather over recent days.
Perak Infrastructure Committee chairman Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin said water release at Temengor, Bersia, Chenderoh and Kenering dams is above the minimum level. The dams are fully supervised by Tenaga Nasional Berhad.
“Usually during the dry season, water discharge is closely controlled to give priority to energy generation,” he said. A more flexible approach is now possible as major agricultural areas have passed the planting season.
He stated the surplus can be utilised for domestic use. This ensures the supply of treated water remains adequate throughout Perak.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department announced 12 areas on the West Coast recorded high temperatures. Areas included Hulu Perak, Kinta and Kuala Kangsar.
Mohammad Nizar said the state government has taken early preparation measures. This includes mobilising machinery and assets from the Irrigation and Drainage Department.
“If the hot weather persists for two to three weeks, we will move the JPS’s mobile pumps to the LAP water treatment plant in affected areas,” he said. This measure is intended to ensure smooth water supply.
Apart from mobile pumps, cloud seeding may be considered as a last step. The final decision depends on MetMalaysia.
“If the cloud seeding method is to be implemented, it requires careful study, especially in terms of terrain and wind direction,” he said. The cost of implementing this method is also quite high and needs careful consideration.