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KUALA MUDA – Despite the water column disaster that hit Gunung Jerai in Merbok last week, the water source for the Bukit Tupah water treatment plant remains unaffected, much to the relief of residents here.
The residents depend on the mineral water source located in the Gunung Jerai permanent forest reserve, with many of them fetching water for drinking or medical purposes from there. The treatment plant, however, has been severely damaged by the tragedy.
While the authorities have not been forthcoming on the severity of the damage, a survey by The Vibes found that repair works are ongoing at the water treatment plants in Bukit Tupah and Gurun.
During a recent visit by Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, the prime minister had announced a RM2 million allocation for repair works at the two plants.
Residents continue to get water from source
Resident Hamid Ismail, 62, said he had been fetching water from the forest for almost four years and stops by to do so twice a week.
“Usually, tap water will be full of silt if stored for two or three days, but the hill water remains clean and clear, even if stored for weeks.
“Normally, I will collect the water using a few five-litre bottles for my family’s use. We also use the same water to prepare milk for my grandchildren,” he told The Vibes.
Meanwhile, Mohd Ridzuan Abd Rahman, 50, said he takes the hill water to clean his exposed intestines, a wound he suffered as a result of an accident in February.
“The doctor recommended that I use natural mineral water to wash my intestines. Previously, I took the hill water every three days for drinking.”
The hill water in the area originates from the natural springs of Gunung Jerai. It is understood that residents have been able to take water from there for free for the past 10 years. – The Vibes, August 26, 2021
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