A total of 10 major dams supplying raw water to treatment plants across Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan are at warning or critical levels, as authorities step up mitigation measures amid concerns over the El Niño phenomenon.
According to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), nine dams are at warning level, while Sungai Pagar Dam in Labuan is at critical level. Another two dams — Jus Dam in Melaka and Labong Dam in Johor — are at alert level, while 37 of the 49 monitored dams remain at normal levels.
The nine dams at warning level comprise Muda and Ahning dams in Kedah; Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Lebam, Gunung Pulai 1, Gunung Pulai 2 and Pontian Kechil dams in Johor and Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis. Timah Tasoh has improved from critical to warning level following rainfall and water-pumping measures to boost storage.
SPAN and the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry have directed water operators to optimise raw water resources, coordinate dam and water treatment plant operations, activate alternative sources where necessary and closely monitor demand in high-risk areas.
Scheduled water supply may be implemented should raw water conditions deteriorate further, while restrictions or reductions in supply could be considered in more critical situations, subject to ministerial approval and only after other mitigation measures are insufficient.
SPAN said all monitored water treatment plants are currently operating normally, although the risk of supply disruptions cannot be ruled out if dam levels continue to decline.
