KLANG – The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry is prepared to deal with the possible consequences and impact of the hot and dry weather that is expected to continue until August.
Its minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said areas affected by the weather, especially in the northern part of the peninsula are being monitored in terms of the possibility of water supply problems, open burning and peat fires.
According to him, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), as the national regulatory body for the water supply and sewerage industry, has held discussions with water operators across the country to ensure sufficient water supply for each state.
“So, SPAN is making sure that we will be able to deal with the situation though the plan is already in place and the water operators are aware,” he told the media after the launch of the Madani Reusable Bag and No Plastic Bag Campaign at 99 Speed Mart, here, today.
“The northern region especially, is experiencing dry weather, but this is expected to occur in the entire peninsula as well as Sabah and Sarawak. Although it has been raining for the past several weeks in the Klang Valley, we will continue to monitor and follow closely the weather forecast by the Malaysian Meteorological Department,” he said.
Meanwhile, commenting on members of the public taking water from the ground, he said this must be monitored as the water source may contain high levels of metal substances that can affect health.
Earlier in his speech, Nik Nazmi congratulated the management of 99 Speed Mart for taking the stand not to supply plastic bags to consumers at all its branches and introducing the Madani reusable bag priced at RM2, which can be exchanged if damaged.
He said the government is currently expanding the No Plastic Bag campaign – which is currently implemented in all permanent premises – to all business premises gradually in the period from 2022 to 2025.
He said the campaign, which is the responsibility of the respective state governments, is one of the long-term plans in dealing with the issue of single-use plastic waste pollution in Malaysia.
Among the states that have organised the campaign are Selangor, Penang, Johor and Negri Sembilan. – Bernama, May 9, 2023
