The construction of a new water storage plant  in Sungai Jernih, Alor Gajah is expected to meet the water supply needs in Malacca until 2040.

Chief Minister Idris Haron said the existing dams, reservoirs and water storage plants could only meet the water needs in the state until 2017.

He said the construction of the new water storage plant would boost the water supply capability of the state to beyond 2017.

The new water storage plant would cater to the needs in northern Malaccca, especially in the district of Alor Gajah, between Kuala Sungai Baru, Simpang Ampat and Lubuk Cina.

“We are still in the process of acquiring land and I hope we can begin this project as soon as possible,” he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting in Malacca today.

Idris said the water supply in Malacca was at 58 percent, up by four percent after rain started to fall in the middle of the month.

As such, the plan to ration water, which was planned for Saturday, had been cancelled because the rate of rainfall was very encouraging and has stabilised the water supply.

Meanwhile, Idris said Malacca targeted 20 gold medals in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) which would take place in Perlis between May 24 and June 4.

Among the sports with potential to contribute gold medals were hockey, badminton, athletics, archery, shooting, silat, wushu, cycling and sailing.

“We will give the appropriate incentives to the athletes who contribute medals, the amount (of incentives) will be discussed later,” he added.

- Bernama