MARCH 6 — The arid climate since mid-January has led to a water supply crisis in a number of states in the Peninsula. Water rationing has been implemented in some areas of Selangor and Johor, while Negri Sembilan and Kedah might also take the emergency measure soon.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology forecast, the drought in Peninsula would continue until the middle of March, after the northeast monsoon has finished passing. In other words, even if it rains, the rainfall would be very limited and the drought might go worse and thus, the public must get ready to face possible water shortage.

Even worse, the arid climate has also led to forest fires, causing serious haze in some areas. As of 10am on March 4, a number of areas, including Banting, Kuala Selangor, Port Klang, Petaling Jaya and Shah Alam, had recorded unhealthy air pollutant index (API) readings, worrying the public.

In the face of the possible water shortage crisis, in addition to hoping for rains and carrying out cloud seeding operations, the authorities seem helpless.

Therefore, the government could only repeatedly warned the people not to waste water over the past few days. The words are earnest but they fall on deaf ears. The general public would not listen before they reach the emergency mark.

In fact, the drought and water shortage in the Peninsula are both natural and human-induced disasters. The government, as well as the people have an inescapable responsibility.

A century ago, American Indian chief Seattle said, “The earth does not belong to us. We belong to the earth.” Resounding voices calling for earth and environmental protection could be heard around the world in recent years but in Malaysia, the concept is still in a state of enlightenment. The environmental awareness of the government and the people is still very weak. As a result, a huge number of rainforests have been indiscriminately felled and profit-oriented constructions have continued damaging the environment, turning soil erosion, ecological quality deterioration, floods during rainy season and water shortages during drought norms in the country.

Over-emphasising on development while ignoring environmental protection have led to such man-made disasters, while exposing the weakness of improper management. With proper management, floods could actually be reduced and water shortages could be avoided. Neighbouring Singapore serves the best example here.

Singapore founding father Lee Kuan Yew had made water a top priority in government policies and it was the strong awareness that has led Singapore, a country facing serious shortage of natural water resources, to develop more new catchment areas and reservoirs over the past 30 years, while setting up two desalination plants and four reclaimed water plants. The moves have turned water crisis troubling the country into unlimited business opportunities.

Therefore, while facing the same longest drought in 50 years, no water rationing or water price hikes are required in Singapore. Instead, some areas in Johor, a state selling water to Singapore, have started water rationing operations, triggering public discontent. Isn't it a great irony?

In any case, water is the source of life. Whether it is the drought season and whether there are water shortages or not, we must always avoid wasting water, and never let our tears be the last drop of water!

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.