KUALA LUMPUR – The announcement by Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) on the water disruptions in Tumpat and Pasir Mas affecting over 48,000 homes has garnered criticism from Kelantan locals.
Due to its timing coinciding with the upcoming Aidilfitri which is anticipated to fall on April 10, many residents have voiced their grouses on social media as repair and maintenance work is expected to be completed on April 15.
With the week-long festive holidays, residents also doubt that the disruption will be resolved by the mentioned date.
Based on the announcement posted on AKSB’s website yesterday, the Kelar Water Treatment Plant in Pasir Mas is experiencing reduced raw water intake. This is caused by low water levels at Sg Kelar due to the ongoing drought.
The announcement, posted on Air Kelantan Official’s Facebook page, sparked anger and frustration among residents. Many questioned why the state government had not learned from past drought situations.
Pasir Mas MP Fadhli Shaari also faced criticism from his constituents, who demanded an immediate solution, especially as they were preparing to celebrate Aidilfitri.
One netizen, Rosmanizan Ab Aziz, said that the situation has been ongoing for decades.
“No problem, la; we use well water,” she said with disappointment.
Meanwhile, Khan Aimon asked about the government’s solution for the recurring droughts and the frequent drying up of water in the Kelar treatment plant.
Meanwhile, Hisham Suri sarcastically attributed the water issues to DAP’s negligence.
The Kelantanese are also unhappy because the water tariff in the state has increased by 23 cents for each cubic metre since February 1, but water disruptions still occur.
“How can you intend to raise the tariff even though there is no water,” said @ArwenmhEvenstar through X.
The issue of water scarcity and supply interruptions is not recent in Kelantan as it has been an ongoing issue for a considerable time.
Compounding this frustration, AKSB previously announced that the water tariff adjustment was aimed at bolstering income for infrastructure development, operational enhancements, upgrades, repairs, and maintenance.
However, residents continue to face disruptions of water supply. – March 31, 2024