ALOR STAR: Kedah will not resort to cloud seeding operations, as the ongoing El-Nino and dry season have yet to deplete water resources to critically low points.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor assured that despite the dry and hot conditions, the state still possesses ample raw water resources for both domestic and agricultural needs.
"There is still no need for it (cloud seeding), we still have adequate water supply from Sungai Muda.
"As I mentioned two weeks ago, this hot weather could cause water supply issues. Should the water level in Sungai Muda decrease significantly, it could affect our water intake.
"However, there have been no critical reports from the Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) or the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) concerning water supply issues," he said during a press conference after attending a special address session with the state Land Office management staff in Dewan Sri Mentaloon, here, today.
However, Sanusi said that the extended dry spell has led to water supply issues in Kuala Muda district, pending the completion of the Bukit Selambau Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
"The water sources at Gunung Jerai and Sungai Tupah are drying up, posing potential issues to Sungai Tupah headworks WTP.
"We were relying on underground water sources, which are proving insufficient, necessitating emergency water supply delivery by trucks until the Bukit Selambau WTP project is operational," he added.
Commenting further, Sanusi urged Kedah residents to adopt measures to manage their water use and minimise wastage.
"For car washing and watering plants avoid using treated water and use alternatives instead. These are methods to conserve water.
"Store water, invest in storage tanks, and save. I hope the citizens can implement these savings measures," he added.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in a statement said nine areas in the peninsula and in Sabah recorded alert-level hot weather.
Seven of the areas are located in Kedah, namely Langkawi Island, Kota Setar, Yan, Pendang, Pokok Sena, Sik and Baling.
The alert level refers to a daily maximum temperature of 35 to 37 degrees Celsius for at least three consecutive days.
MetMalaysia had previously issued a statement, saying that the country was currently experiencing the final phase of the northeast monsoon, which is expected to last until the end of March.