KANGAR: The Perlis government will explore alternatives such as tube wells should the federal government declare the dry spell as a national emergency during the upcoming El Nino phenomenon.
Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said based on the latest briefing by the state Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) director, the water level in Timah Tasoh Dam was sufficient to last for another two months.
"In the event the federal government declares an emergency, we will explore tube wells as an alternative to ensure sufficient water supply for the people of Perlis," he told reporters after launching Program Rakyat in conjunction with the 80th birthday of the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail at Dataran Sheikh Ahmad, here today.
Shukri said he had told Syarikat Air Perlis (SAP) to locate suitable locations to build the tube wells, preferably near the main roads to make it easier to transport the water.
Checks on the Public Infobanjir website under the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change ministry as at 11am today showed that the water level in Timah Tasoh Dam was recorded at 27.15 meters, lower than its normal level of 29.10m.