Answer for Oral Question PL129

QUESTION

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI SALLEH BOSTAMAN BIN HAJI ZAINAL ABIDIN asked MENTERI PEMBANGUNAN to state what inter-agency contingency protocols are available to manage climate-related water quality shocks, such as acid wash-off and sudden spikes in turbidity. To what extent are these tested or simulated annually?

ANSWER

Yang Berhormat Menteri Pembangunan

The Ministry of Development, through the Department of Water Services, continuously monitors the condition of river water every day at 8:00 a.m., particularly after floodwaters begin to recede, as follows:

• A jar test is conducted to determine the most optimum chemical dosage.
• The rate of raw water inflow into the water treatment plant is reduced to ensure that the treatment process is more controlled and effective, namely through a reduction in raw water inflow.
• Water quality monitoring is carried out closely and continuously in accordance with the established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• The Layong bypass support is opened where necessary to raise the level of the main tank.
• Throttling (flow-rate control) is implemented at the main tanks, such as in Lambak Kanan, to stabilise the distribution system.
• Flushing works are carried out in affected areas, including at endpoint locations, to ensure that the water quality returns to a satisfactory level.
• Water sampling is conducted at the main tanks, as well as through random samplings, for the purpose of continuous and comprehensive water quality monitoring.

Looking ahead, several measures have been implemented and planned, as follows:

• The construction of Loji Rawatan Air Peringkat 8, whose design is developed based on the concept of climate resilience, taking into account resilience to climate change. The plant is designed with a longer retention time for the water treatment process, thereby enabling it to address the issue of blackish river water and improve the effectiveness of the water treatment process under challenging raw water quality conditions.
• The installation of a rain gauge at Empangan Ulu Tutong, where the data obtained from this equipment can be used for weather forecast analysis, water treatment plant operational planning and early mitigation measures in addressing the risk of flooding or deterioration in raw water quality.
• A study on alternative raw water sources to assess the feasibility of constructing a raw water pumping station and new pipelines at Empangan Benutan and Empangan Ulu Tutong for the new Bukit Baru and Layong water treatment plants, as alternative sources of raw water supply during the blackish river water season.