LENGGONG – The drop in water levels at the Bukit Merah Dam in Bagan Serai near here due to the hot and dry weather is not only affecting the Kerian district’s padi farmers, but its industrial sector too.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said besides the farmers, complaints had been received from the glove factories, which use a lot of water for their operations.
“I will bring this matter up at the state executive council meeting to find a more effective solution to the problem.
“We know that the best method is to transfer water from Sg Perak to the Kerian district, but it has to involve an appropriate cost and a suitable operator.”
Saarani said this when met by reporters at the Taman Kota Tampan multipurpose hall here today.
He said a feasibility study on a water tunnel from Sg Perak to Bukit Merah was still ongoing, and was necessary to see whether the water transferred would be sufficient.
When asked about water levels at the main dams along Sg Perak, Saarani said the levels at the Temenggor, Bersia, Kenering, and Chenderoh dams were alright so far.
“Although there has been no rain, water from Hulu Perak flows into the dams,” he added.
Last Tuesday, the Bukit Merah Dam was reportedly at a critical level but was still able to supply water for domestic and agricultural use. – Bernama, February 6, 2022
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