AS Klang Valley folk brace for a four-day scheduled water disruption starting today, consumer groups are urging the water authority to ensure tankers and public taps are ready with supply during the period.

They said it is crucial that Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) also focus its efforts on areas where there are B40 communities, elderly and Covid-19 patients under home quarantine.

A total of 998 areas in Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Hulu Selangor, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor will be affected by the water disruption, which starts at 9am today and is expected to fully recover at 9pm on October 16.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations chief executive officer T. Saravanan said they understand that the disruption is needed for maintenance works to ensure continuous water supply.

“Our concern is that enough water supply must be provided for the vulnerable, elderly and B40 group,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“If Covid-19 patients are at home under quarantine, then the authorities must ensure water is sent to them.”

He said consumers should be aware of the water cut as this is not an unscheduled disruption. Notice was given two weeks earlier.

Air Selangor, as the sole water services provider in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, is responsible for abstracting, treating and distributing clean and safe water to its 8.4 million consumers. 

Saravanan said during an engagement with stakeholders, Air Selangor has informed them that the maintenance works were initially scheduled to be carried out in 2019.

“Work could not start because of the pandemic last year. So, Air Selangor has to carry it out now to ensure a continuous supply of water,” he said.

“We were also informed that the next maintenance works will be carried out in five years’ time.”

Air Selangor said the disruption is unavoidable as the Sg Selangor water treatment plant phase 1 will be shut down for upgrading and maintenance works.

During the shutdown, it will mobilise 105 water tankers and provide 18 public taps for consumers, prioritising critical premises such as hospitals and dialysis centres.

For commercial customers, four local water filling stations will be made available for them to buy water at all 10 Air Selangor customer service counters.

Saravanan said consumers should follow the standard operating procedures (SOP) to prevent overcrowding at the collection points.

“It’s our responsibility to stock up on water and ensure that the SOP are followed,” he said.

“We were also informed that there will be volunteers to assist the vulnerable groups.”

He said Air Selangor should provide incentives to the B40 group for this disruption.

“Some people can’t cook without water. So, Air Selangor should look at providing food for the B40 group,” he said.

The elderly and disabled

Forum Air Malaysia president Saral James Maniam said consumers must have proper access to water supply.

This, she said, is especially crucial for those living in high-rise buildings.

“They (Air Selangor) must look into informing the public of the schedule of the tankers and ensuring accessibility for the elderly and the disabled to collect the water,” Saral said.

She said Air Selangor should also draw up measures to minimise water disruptions in future.

“It (water disruption) should be minimised to a day or two days at the most. They (Air Selangor) must adopt more innovative measures,” she added.

Hoping to get by

A veterinarian in Desa Sri Hartamas, who declined to be named, said following news of the water disruption, the clinic has postponed surgeries.

“We need sufficient water to wash surgical drapes and instruments,” she said.

The veterinarian also said to prevent any untoward incidents, her colleagues have stocked up on water.

“We hope that what we have will be sufficient for four days,” she said.

Lawyer Agalya J.M., 32, from Klang, said it is good that Air Selangor gave early notice of the water disruption.

She said her family of four has prepared by filling up bottles for drinking and several pails for washing their cooking utensils and basic laundry.

“We understand that it is necessary for upgrading and maintenance works but after all these years, Air Selangor should have developed a way to ensure the works can be carried without disrupting supply and adding to the people’s woes,” she said.

Nik Danial, 26, who runs his family’s coffee shop in Shah Alam, said not much preparation was done as his family members were not fully aware of the water disruption.

“We have stored water for the house and have just started doing so for use in the shop. Hopefully, that will be enough to last the four days,” he said.

“Water is vital for our business and without it, there will be no coffee. We also need sufficient water to wash our utensils and clean the shop.”

Job analyst Yip Ze Liang, 24, said there should have been constant reminders to the public on the water disruption.

“I was not fully prepared for the water disruption as there has been no clear communication by them.

“If there is water to be provided by tankers, I am not sure when they will arrive and where to collect the water. We hope there is enough supply,” said Yip, who lives in Shah Alam. – October 13, 2021.