SPAN: One dam critical, nine at warning level as El Nino puts pressure on Malaysia’s raw water reserves

As Malaysia grapples with the impacts of El Nino, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has reported that 37 of the 49 major dams providing raw water to treatment plants remain at normal levels. However, two dams in Melaka and Johor, nine at the warning level, and one in Labuan at critical need attention. SPAN revealed that Timah Tasoh Dam, which had been critical for a prolonged period, has since improved to the warning level after receiving rainfall and water from a nearby pond.

The commission, in collaboration with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA) and water supply operators, convened a meeting on August 26 to assess the situation and strategize mitigation measures. These measures include optimizing raw water usage, coordinating dam and treatment plant operations, activating alternative water sources if necessary, monitoring demand in high-risk areas, and implementing scheduled water supply if conditions worsen.

Should the raw water situation continue to deteriorate, more drastic steps such as limiting water supply to consumers may be necessary, subject to approval by the relevant minister. SPAN emphasized that such measures would only be considered when other mitigation strategies prove insufficient to maintain the resilience of raw water resources.

The commission affirmed that all mitigation efforts would be implemented in a targeted manner based on the specific conditions and risk levels in each region. They will continue to monitor and assess risks based on weather patterns, dam levels, raw water availability, and treatment plant capacities.