El Nino: Penangites urged to reduce water consumption

The Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) today urged Penangites to reduce water consumption following the dry spell brought about by the El Nino phenomenon.

Its Chief Executive Officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa told reporters here today that PBAPP had activated its water supply alert status in view of the Meteorological Department's warning of a possible hot and dry 'Super El Nino phenomenon.

He said if necessary, PBAPP is prepared to implement water supply and water demand management initiatives to avoid water rationing.

In KUALA LANGAT, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) chairman Tan Sri Badruddin Amiruldin said FAMA will be importing more raw food items to stabilise prices during the El Nino period, expected to last till April.

"We will work closely with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry to ensure there is no food shortages as a result of the El Nino phenomenon," he told reporters after visiting a FAMA agricultural produce collection centre.

In IPOH, Perak Fire and Rescue director Datuk Yahaya Madis told Bernama that the department's staff had been asked to familiarise themselves with the wajax pump, a mobile pump that can be used to fight forest fires.

He said the move was being taken because of the possibility of forest fires during the El Nino period.

He added that other focus areas were dumpsites and grassland as these posed fire hazards during a dry season.