ALOR STAR: The Kedah state government has allocated 32 additional water tanker lorries to ensure sufficient water supply here during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities.
State Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Committee chairman Mohamad Yusoff @ Munir Zakaria said that this brings the total number of allocated tankers in the state to 123 to meet an expected 30 per cent increase in water demand.
"These 123 tanker lorries include 30 units from Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada), 84 rented contract lorries, and 9 Jumbo lorries.
"Assistance in water supply through rented lorries will also be increased throughout the operation to ensure users in affected areas receive water supply.
"Jumbo lorries will act as feeders to transit lorries and will also be used to fill storage tanks in residential areas," he said when contacted today.
Yusoff added that five Local Service Centers (PKS) statewide will be activated to assist users in lodging complaints during the festive period.
"To ensure the perfect execution of Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers, static tanks will also be placed in mosques and suraus for ablution purposes, especially in areas affected by water supply issues.
"Additionally, the placement of static tanks has been done in areas or villages facing water supply problems," he added.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Sada said it anticipates a surge in water demand exceeding 30 per cent across the entire state during the festive season.
"This increase is fueled by the return of urban residents to their hometowns. Moreover, Sada's operations have been hampered by the severe drought caused by the El Nino phenomenon over the past few months," it said.
Sada also advised users to make early preparations by storing water.
"Users should have at least a two-day supply for consumption and use it prudently to manage the risk of water supply disruptions," it said.