12 Major Dams in Malaysia at Alert to Critical Levels Amid Water Scarcity Concerns

Malaysia's National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has warned of potential water supply disruptions as 12 of the country's 49 major dams are currently at Alert or Critical levels. While all monitored water treatment plants in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan Federal Territory remain operational, the declining trend in dam water levels is a cause for concern.

Of the 12 dams in question, two are at the Alert stage, nine are at the Warning stage, and one is at the Critical stage. The remaining 37 dams are reported to be at Normal levels. Specifically, the Jus Dam in Melaka and Labong Dam in Johor are at Alert. The dams at Warning level include Muda and Ahning in Kedah; Upper Layang, Lower Layang, Lebam, Gunung Pulai 1, Gunung Pulai 2, and Pontian Kechil in Johor; and Timah Tasoh in Perlis.

The Timah Tasoh Dam, which had been at Critical level, has seen some improvement to the Warning stage due to recent rainfall and water pumping efforts. However, the Sungai Pagar Dam in Labuan is the sole dam currently at the Critical level.

In response, SPAN, along with the Ministry of Energy Transition and Public Utilities (PETRA), held an emergency meeting to discuss preparedness and mitigation strategies. Measures include optimizing raw water usage, coordinating dam and water treatment plant operations, and activating alternative water sources. Authorities are closely monitoring water demand in at-risk areas and may implement scheduled or reduced water supply if the raw water situation deteriorates further. In critical scenarios, restrictions could be considered to manage demand and extend the lifespan of raw water resources.