Water scarcity in Malaysia

Water scarcity in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia's water supply is expected to dwindle in the next few months following a prolonged dry spell due to the El Nio weather phenomena, a minister was reported as saying yesterday.

"A number of areas in the country will face water shortages," Science, Technology and Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding said after a cabinet discussion.

"We expect the dry period to last until May or June and rainfall is expected to be reduced by 20 to 50 percent."

He urged people to conserve water and suggested those involved in agriculture start looking for alternative sources.

Health Minister Chua Jui Meng called on people to wear hats, stay indoors and drink more water to avoid heatstroke, dehydration or fever, after temperatures rose to 37 degrees centigrade Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur.