The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry has urged the Selangor government to start, in stages, to lift the water rationing that is affecting some 6.7 million people in the Klang Valley.

Deputy Minister Mahdzir Khalid made the call after the water level at a number of dams in Selangor have reached a safe level.

"Based on reports, the Klang Gates Dam has reached a level of 53.99 percent and Sungai Tinggi Dam has also increased to more than 50 percent, I feel the Selangor government can lift the rationing in stages.

"The power to lift the rationing is in the hands of Selangor Menteri Besar (Abdul Khalid Ibrahim), but I urge that the rationing be lifted in stages," Mahdzir was quoted as saying in a Berita Harian report today.

The only dam that remains critical is the Sungai Selangor Dam, which stood at 38.53 percent full as of yesterday.

Mahdzir said the Selangor government should not rely only on rain but must also seek alternative sources of raw water.