Kelantan water woes targeted for resolution by 2028
New water treatment plants planned for key districts in Kelantan
SHAH ALAM - Residents of Kelantan facing water supply issues can expect relief by 2028.
This is when construction of new Water Treatment Plants (LRA) in key districts is expected to be completed.
These plants will provide an additional 270 million litres per day (MLD) of clean water.
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) Chairman Charles Santiago assured that the total production capacity of these LRAs will be sufficient for the state's population.
The new plants are planned for Tok Bali (Pasir Puteh), Pengkalan Nangka (Tumpat), Bukit Chupak (Gua Musang), Kelar 2 (Pasir Mas), Machang, Tanjong Mas, and Tok Jaafar (Kota Bharu).
"Construction will be completed in stages over the next four years.
"A programme to replace aging pipes across 251.82 kilometres is underway, with an allocated budget of RM138.50 million," he told Sinar when contacted.
He further explained that new tube wells with a capacity of 24 MLD were being built in Chicha (Wakaf Bharu), Kampung Puteh, and Ketereh.
These wells will address the challenge of insufficient raw water supply during dry seasons.
Charles' comments come in response to recent news reports highlighting the struggles of residents in Kelantan who faced water supply disruptions during the recent Aidilfitri celebration.
The lack of clean water hampered daily routines, forcing some residents to bathe in rivers and collect rainwater for washing.
As a long-term solution, a Riverbank Water Storage Project (TAPS) with a capacity of 500 MLD is being planned.
The project is currently in the design study phase under the Water Supply Division (BBA).
Another initiative is the construction of a 250 MLD LRA in Machang, funded through an easy loan offered to the Kelantan state government.
Charles identified several factors contributing to Kelantan's water woes.
He explained that treated water demand increases by about 12 per cent during festive seasons, straining normal production capacity across most districts.
"Limited raw water sources, especially during dry seasons, impact production at Kelantan's treatment plants, particularly those relying on groundwater.
"Furthermore, a high Non-Revenue Water (NRW) rate of 54.5 per cent contributes to the shortfall in the distribution network system," he said.
