The scheduled water distribution in nine zones in the Kluang district in Johor has been extended to 36 hours instead of 24 hours previously as the Sembrong Timur Water Treatment Plant capacity to supply water has dwindled.

Syarikat Air Johor Holdings Sdn Bhd (SAJ) head of corporate communications Jamaluddin Jamal said the water level at Sungai Sembrong Kiri had dropped to 0.1 metre, far below the critical level of 0.5 metres.

“As a result, the Sembrong Timur Water Treatment Plant could not get enough raw water from the river. Hence, it is only able to supply 12 million litres of water per day compared to the usual 30 million litres per day,” he told reporters at the SAJ dinner with the media in Johor Baru last night.

The plant operated by Southern Water Corporation (SWC) is running at minimum capacity since Feb 18 Feb as the water level dropped to 0.2 metres.

Jamaluddin said however, water rationing was only carried out in certain areas in Kluang, while other parts of Johor were not affected.

He said water was being supplied by tankers to critical areas, those experiencing low water pressure and premises requiring water at all times such as hospitals and dialysis centres.

Jamaluddin the scheduled water distribution would continue until March 18.

The schedule is posted on the SAJ website http://saj.com.my or can be obtained by contacting SAJ Info Centre through Talian Mesra 1 800 88 7474 or by texting 019-7727474 or through e-mail customer.care @saj.com.my round-the-clock.

- Bernama