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Malaysians have been urged to reduce their water usage amid the ongoing heatwave, as water levels in many dams have fallen to low levels
According to the Straits Times, about a quarter of Malaysia's dams, especially those in the north and south, have reached cautionary thresholds, raising concerns of water shortage.
Speaking to Malay Mail, former National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairperson Charles Santiago advised the rakyat to cut shower time in half and avoid washing their cars daily.
He said many water-wasting habits in daily lifestyles are often overlooked, resulting in millions of litres being lost at a time when supply is tightening.
"Go easy on car washing, gardening, and cut your shower time by 50%," he said, urging Malaysians to water only the roots of their plants to ensure survival, rather than overwatering to keep the leaves overly lush.
He added that some Malaysians wash their cars daily, and if one million people do so, using an average of 25 litres per wash, the nation would consume 25 million litres of water.
"People need to be a bit more sensitive and just wash their cars less," he advised.
Former SPAN chairperson and Klang MP Charles Santiago
Image via New Straits TimesCharles said Malaysians consume an average of 201 litres of water per person each day, far above the UN-recommended level of 165 litres
Comparing with regional peers, he said Malaysians' water usage also far exceeds that of Singapore (140 litres) and Thailand (90 litres).
While water conversion is important, Charles reminded Malaysians to stay hydrated.
"Reduce usage, but don't dehydrate. Just avoid excessive use," he said.
In recent days, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) issued heatwave alerts for several localities nationwide, warning of prolonged hot weather.
Some states have seen temperatures soaring to between 37°C and 40°C.
In light of the El Niño phenomenon, Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh said today, 27 March, that schools may be closed if temperatures stay at 37°C for three consecutive days.
