Kampung air batu: The prolonged drought situation over the past few months has forced residents in the Malaysia-Thailand border area, including Kampung Air Batu here, to turn to Sungai Golok as their daily water source. Resident, Tengku Ab Rahman Tengku Abdullah, 46, said he now uses the river to perform various daily routines including performing ablutions due to the lack of water supply at home.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Ab Rahman mentioned, "My house is near Sungai Golok and when there is a problem with water at home, Sungai Golok is the solution for now." He expressed surprise at the water level in Sungai Golok receding to knee level, making it a focal point for nearby residents.

Mohd Imran Mohd Nor, 36, shared his experience of visiting the river with his younger brother every evening because the well at their house has dried up due to the drought. "We used to transport water from the river for other uses but not for drinking. We buy drinking water from a nearby shop," he stated.

Meanwhile, Mohd Fakrul Ridzwan, 30, highlighted that the water shortage problem has persisted since before Ramadan, leading to all washing of clothes being done in the river. "The water supply has been gone for a long time, the tube well at my house is also no longer producing water, it is believed to have dried up or needs to be deepened. To avoid this problem, I rely on the nearby river," he explained, noting his residence is about 300 meters from the river.

A Bernama survey found that the receding water level of Sungai Golok has also attracted the attention of villagers from a neighboring country to join in using the river as a source of water supply.