WATER from the Kelalong/Assyakirin reservoir operated by Laku Management Sdn Bhd (Laku) is safe for consumption, Assistant Utilities (Water Supply) Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi has assured.
He said the protection of raw water resources was under the purview of the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) and so far, there had been no reports or complaints received by Laku and NREB on contamination at the reservoir.
“As a water supply operator, Laku carries out raw water quality monitoring daily following the requirements specified in the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS) issued by the Ministry of Health.
“At the same time, NREB also carries out raw water quality monitoring every quarter. To date, there has been no violation of the raw water quality parameters,” he said in response to a question from Chiew Chiu Sing (DAP-Tanjung Batu) at the DUN sitting today.
He further said if contaminants were detected, Laku would report to the relevant authorities.
“Laku will also stop raw water extraction from the river concerned following the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to ensure that contaminants will not enter the water treatment plan.
“It will also execute Water Safety Plan (WSP) procedure in place in case it (contamination) happens.”
When asked what actions were taken to prevent trespassing, Abdul Rahman said the area was gazetted by the government in 1996 and protected under the law.
“Laku provides 24-hour security at the dam. So if you go to the reservoir, you can see that our officers are always there.
“Meanwhile, the raw water quality is being tested either daily or quarterly basis. So if there’s any evidence of contamination, then it will be detected early.”
