All water operators instructed to prepare emergency plans – SPAN
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has stated that all water operators have been directed to prepare emergency plans to ensure the continuity of clean water supply to consumers during supply disruptions.
Reported by Berita Harian, in a statement, SPAN said that through this directive, priority is given to critical premises to ensure the continuity of clean water supply.
In the context of recent supply disruptions in Selangor, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) has been instructed to take necessary steps to minimize the impact of water supply disruptions while waiting for pollution issues to be resolved.
“Among the steps taken include mobilizing water tanks to affected areas with priority given to critical premises such as hospitals.
“Air Selangor also regularly updates the current situation to consumers through accessible channels,” said the statement.
“Additionally, as part of the water safety planning in the affected state, the Selangor state government, responsible for water sources, is implementing the Raw Water Guarantee Scheme (SJAM) to address issues of water supply disruptions caused by pollution of raw water sources,” it added.
The statement referred to media reports urging SPAN to take action against the utility company, Air Selangor, responsible for the prolonged disruption of water supply experienced recently.
It referenced unscheduled water supply disruptions following the closure of water treatment plants (LRA) due to odor pollution in Sungai Kundang and Sungai Sembah in Selangor.
SPAN explained that apart from monitoring, it acts based on Section 55 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 [Act 655], where Air Selangor, as the water supply service operator for Selangor, Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, has a responsibility to stop water supply to consumers if it is found unsafe for normal supply purposes to the public or poses health risks to the public.
“If it fails to do so, Air Selangor commits an offense. Therefore, SPAN as the regulatory body must ensure that Air Selangor stops water supply immediately upon detecting pollution in Sungai Kundang and Sungai Sembah.
“Continuing supply is believed to endanger public health, particularly consumers receiving supply from the related LRA,” it said.
In related developments, SPAN informed that Air Selangor has implemented water infrastructure projects to ensure continuous water supply.
“These measures will reduce the impact of water supply disruptions on consumers during pollution incidents.
“SPAN closely monitors the current situation in Selangor and in all regulated states, and seeks the cooperation of consumers in coping with unscheduled water supply disruptions as managed by Air Selangor.
“All parties involved are continuously working to restore water supply promptly,” it said.