JOHOR BAHARU, May 5 (Bernama) -- The Johor government is planning to develop new water sources to meet the need for water supply in the state, particularly in the districts of Johor Baharu and Kota Tinggi, which is expected to be sufficient only up to the year 2018.
State Executive Councillor for Public Works, Rural and Regional Development Datuk Ir Hasni Mohammad said the development was being carried after the state government took into account the report on a study on the state's water sources which called for the government to increase the existing water sources.
"The study carried out since early last year by a private consultant appointed by the state government and tabled to the state government at the end of last month disclosed that water supply in Johor Baharu and Kota Tinggi could only meet the needs of development up to the year 2018.
"This means that there is a need to look for new water sources in the two districts within the next four years to meet the need for increased development in these areas," he told reporters after attending the 2014 World Water Day celebration at the Johor state level at the Pontian Dam, Ulu Choh, here Monday.
Hasni said as such, the state government had instructed the Johor State Water Regulatory Body (BAKAJ) to present a proposal paper so that the allocation for the development of new water sources could be included in the 11th Malaysia Plan.
He said that among the development projects planned were the construction of a new dam near Sedili Besar in Kota Tinggi and water retention from Sungai Endau near Mersing that required discussions to be held between the Johor and Pahang state governments.
Hasni said the water supply problems in Batu Pahat and Kluang were not expected to recur and would be adequate up to the year 2030 following efforts taken to upgrade the Bekok Dam near Batu Pahat currently and the construction of the Kahang Dam near Kluang which was expected to be ready by October 2016.
"At the moment, there are 17 dams in the state and what is important is that the areas near the dams should be closely protected to prevent any form of threat especially due to pollution," he added.
-- BERNAMA
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