SHAH ALAM, Oct 25 — The Hybrid Off-River Augmentation System (Horas) and Raw Water Security Scheme (SJAM) have helped Selangor combat large-scale water supply disruptions this year.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that since the projects were implemented, no major disruptions that burden consumers have been reported since October, thanks to the state’s efficient raw water management strategies.
He added that both projects have shortened work suspension times at water treatment plants (LRAs) during pollution events, ensuring water supply is not disrupted for long.
“In the past eight, nine years, we faced a lack of water. In 2013, we even rationed water. The state developed Horas to retain rainwater so that in the event of disaster or drought, it can be managed.
“During the recent hot weather, even as dam levels decreased, the policies we have implemented since 2012 and 2013 allowed us to endure even when there’s no rain for three to nine months.
“Between 2016 and 2020, we faced pollution issues. With the SJAM, which was developed in 2020, we managed to siphon off polluted water to sea without affecting LRAs, while water supply was taken from Horas. Thank God, 95 per cent of work suspension and disruption issues have been resolved,” Amirudin said.
He was met after officiating the AYER Community Cleanup, held in conjunction with Malaysia Environment Day, in Puchong today.
Following its success in managing water sources more sustainably, the state government is now focusing its efforts on overcoming flood issues to ensure residents’ well-being and infrastructure safety, he said.
He added that various flood mitigation projects and drainage upgrades have led to a decline in flood hotspots in Selangor.
“Flood mitigation projects are major and require cooperation with the federal government. I will prepare a report on this matter and release it later,” Amirudin said.
