THE water supply issue in Kedah is nothing new, and it has been affecting residents there for quite some time. Lately, water supply disruptions have been recurring often, and are causing problems for residents and businesses there.
Since 2007, issues such as low water pressure and water supply disruptions have been recurring. This situation is not limited to just Sg Petani but also other districts – Sik, Ulu Muda, Baling, and Kuala Kedah.
Kedahans have seen several transitions in their government but the problem remains. Sometimes, when you turn on the faucet, brown and dirty water flows out instead of clean water.
Local residents have been forced to depend on alternative water sources, buying clean water, water filters, or water pumps for daily usage.
The worst thing is when there is no water supply but you still have to pay for the water bill every month. The people have not gotten over the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and yet have to fork out their own money to buy clean water. This is a burden for many people.
In response to this issue, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor blamed farmers and estate owners for watering their plantations at night.
He added that the state government has several projects that have not been announced and if they are carried out, it might pollute the water source in Sg Muda.
Based on the environmental impact assessment for the Kulim International Airport project, the proposed project site would be adjacent to Sg Muda, and the construction phase may cause siltation and raw water contamination. This would jeopardise the well-being and good health of millions of people in the region.
Though local residents have made complaints, Syarikat Air Darul Aman’s response remains the same, with the excuse being either low water pressure, old piping, or broken pipes.
When there is a water supply disruption, Sada visits residential areas to supply water every two days. That being said, it is not a long-term solution and in no way resolves the issue at all.
Clean water sources are essential when evaluating the development progress of any place. The sixth sustainable development goal outlined by the United Nations is to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It is most disappointing that the Kedah government does not take any effective action for the long term.
Therefore, the Sustainable Malaysia Association urges the state government to seriously look into the water supply issue and come up with a long-term solution for the well-being of the people. – The Vibes, April 28, 2022
Boey Suet Yee is the secretary of the Sustainable Malaysia Association
