Kuantan: The Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA) is conducting a study on the development of tube wells as a preparatory measure to address potential water crisis in the future. PETRA Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad announced that the study is being carried out by the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) with the aim of identifying new water sources to serve as a backup plan in case of supply disruptions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Rahman highlighted the challenges posed by uncertain weather conditions such as drought and low rainfall, with forecasts indicating that the hot weather is expected to persist until August, potentially impacting water resources. Despite these conditions, he assured that through the efforts of all relevant agencies, the water supply nationwide remains controlled. However, he emphasized the critical role of consumers in reducing wastage to avert potential crises.

He made these remarks to reporters following the officiation of the Selamat Air Raya programme at Dewan Jubli Perak Sultan Ahmad Shah. On March 21, a report by the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) warned of a looming era of 'global water bankruptcy', underscoring the urgency of PETRA's initiatives.

Abdul Rahman noted that water consumption in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan stands at around 223 litres per capita per day, significantly higher than the 165 litres per capita per day recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). He stressed the importance of reducing this high level of water usage, warning that failure to do so could lead to a water crisis, and called on all parties to take responsibility in preventing such an outcome.

He further mentioned that the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is implementing the Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) Programme, aiming to reach at least one million users nationwide by 2026. This initiative seeks to raise public awareness on efficient water usage and the significance of avoiding wastage to ensure the sustainability of the nation's water supply.

During the programme, SPAN also distributed zakat wakalah amounting to RM104,000 to 200 students from primary, secondary schools, and higher education institutions.