Kota tinggi: Johor water operator Ranhill SAJ is taking action to address water supply disruptions in Felda Lok Heng and Felda Waha by deploying a desalination plant to the Lok Heng Water Treatment Plant (WTP).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the State Public Works, Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman, Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, stated that the desalination plant, originally located in Forest City near Iskandar Puteri, is actively being relocated to the WTP. This plant is designed to produce two million litres of treated water per day, with installation progress currently at 34 percent. It is anticipated to become operational by April 20, providing much-needed water supply for local consumers.

Efforts to resolve the water issues included attempts to utilize groundwater and transfer water from Sungai Lukah. However, these attempts were unsuccessful due to the high salinity of Sungai Lukah's water, which cannot be processed by the Lok Heng WTP. The installation of the desalination plant is expected to enable the treatment of water from Sungai Lukah despite its salinity, offering a potential solution to the water supply challenges.

The water level in Sungai Ulu Sedili Kecil, another source for the WTP, remains insufficient to resume its operations. In light of these challenges, Mohamad Fazli urged affected residents to practice water conservation and remain patient, while also hoping for rainfall to alleviate the situation.

Previously, Mohamad Fazli reported that a prolonged drought exceeding two months had led to the drying up of Sungai Ulu Sedili Kecil, halting operations at the WTP and impacting 4,042 consumers.