ALOR STAR, Nov 2 — Langkawi is expected to face water scarcity by 2020 if nothing is done to address the issue due to rising demand on the resort island.
Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said Langkawi’s rapid development calls for additional water supply.
“I was informed by Sada (Syarikat Air Darul Aman) that Langkawi may face water scarcity by 2020.
“More hotels, houses and business premises are coming up while Langkawi has inadequate water supply,” he told reporters after a briefing on the restructuring of the Kedah water supply here, today.
Presently, 65 per cent of Langkawi’s water supply comes from the Sungai Baru water treatment plant on the mainland via a dedicated pipeline.
Only 35 per cent of the water supply comes from the island.
Mahdzir said Sada proposed that more water be channelled from the mainland to Langkawi, whether via the construction of a water treatment plant or the upgrading of existing water treatment plants.
“Langkawi requires additional water from the mainland because there is just not enough water supply on the island.
“Sada’s agreement with Taliworks Sdn Bhd in Langkawi and Air Utara Indah Sdn Bhd, which treats water in Bukit Pinang, will end in October 2020. So, we have another five years to go,” he added. — Bernama
