Water disruptions discussed, approved by authorities

Source in Syabas tells FMT that scheduled disruptions unavoidable but were discussed and approved by relevant authorities.

PETALING JAYA: The scheduled water disruptions set to hit the Klang Valley in the run up to Christmas were discussed with and approved by the relevant regulators and the energy, green technology and water ministry, says a Syabas source.

Speaking to FMT, the source said there was a lot of misunderstanding about the water disruptions which will take place between Dec 19 and 24. The disruptions are to facilitate TNB’s maintenance works.

“There is a misconception that Syabas and TNB (Tenaga Nasional Berhad) are working in silos and have planned the disruptions poorly.”

“For Syabas, the disruptions are unavoidable because TNB’s maintenance work will result in our plants operating at a limited capacity because we will be relying on generators.”

The source said it was understandable that people were upset because the disruptions came during the run up to the festivities.

“I feel sorry for the public, but the TNB’s scheduled maintenance cannot be avoided as it has been postponed for three years.”

On Syabas’s end, the source said that it was doing all it could to ensure the public faced minimal disruptions to their lives.

The source said Syabas would be deploying all its resources to minimise the impact of the disruptions.

“Even though the disruptions are not expected to be as severe as during a total shutdown of treatment plants, we advise the public to stock up on their water reserves on days they are scheduled to receive water.”

Earlier today, TNB warned that the maintenance works needed to be carried out urgently to prevent major damage to equipment at the main entry substation which could take weeks to repair.

Meanwhile, MCA leaders Chong Sin Woon and Chai Kim Sen have joined the chorus of those calling for the postponement of the scheduled water disruptions.

Chong who is MCA Youth chief said the water cuts would affect those celebrating Christmas, while MCA publicity bureau chairman Chai, said the poor timing of the cuts would leave an “embarrassing image” on foreign tourists.

Earlier DAP’s Seputeh MP Teresa Kok called on energy, green technology and water minister Maximus Ongkili to step in and order a postponement of the maintenance works to after the festive season. -FMT