Clean water in Kelantan? A fail pipe dream under incompetent state govt, say experts

SHAH ALAM - The water source in Kelantan is from groundwater and known to contain high levels of iron, said water quality specialist Dr Zaki Zainudin.

He said Kelantan has been experiencing low water quality issue for decades.

"Most states in Malaysia source water from rivers for treatment for consumption. In Kelantan, water supply is sourced from groundwater.

"This is due to a lack of water distribution infrastructure or pipes.

"However, one could also look at it from the other side of the coin and say, without such infrastructure, how can there be development?" Zaki told Sinar Daily.

He further said getting water just from nearby groundwater is sometimes the preferred choice.

On groundwater containing high level of iron, he said: "I’ve heard of claims of up to 14 mg/L of iron (Fe) in groundwater; levels in rivers are typically lower." It is difficult to remove very elevated levels of iron (Fe) in conventional water treatment plants.

For drinking, the Drinking Water Quality Standards published by the Health Ministry prescribe a standard of 0.3 mg/L for iron (Fe), he said.

"Ferric iron makes the water appear ‘reddish, and to be worried, the water sometimes even looks brownish—a ‘rusty’ kind of look," he added.

This becomes a biggest problem for Kelantanese, for example, when they wash clothes, as clothing are stained.

Zaki expressed hopes that the authorities would play a role in ensuring this limit is met to safeguard public health.

"However, even at 0.3 mg/L, it can cause water to turn a reddish brown colour."

"To improve the quality of treated water in Kelantan, its water treatment facilities and infrastructure need to be upgraded," he added.

Echoing Zaki’s views, Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (Peka) president Damien Thanam Divean agreed that the Kelantan state's failure to provide clean, safe, and reliable treated tap water shows the state government's incompetency in providing clean water.

"Kelantan has also not shown commitment to protect their water catchment areas and there are continuous logging, making it worse to the extent that it is questionable.

"Kelantan may not be able to provide treated tap water with a globally accepted standard," he added.

Yesterday, the Community Communication Department (JKOM) director-general, Datuk Dr Agus Yusoff, expressed concerns over the water quality in Kelantan, stating the condition is worrying.

He said the water supply is slow and of poor quality.

"Return to Kelantan to celebrate Raya. The water is slow, and the quality is poor," he wrote on his Facebook page.