Xavier: Preparing for drought due to climate change

KUALA LUMPUR (July 25): The Water, Land, and Natural Resources Ministry has reportedly initiated a study to map untapped underground water sources, in order to prepare for future drought.

The Malay Mail reports that its minister Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar said current data from the National Hydraulic Research Institute and other departments show that Malaysia may have up to five trillion cubic metres of underground water.

The study is expected to take a year to complete.

“More data, which is up to date, could also reveal further pockets of underground water,” he was quoted as saying.

Partners abroad can provide the technology for 4D mapping of underground water, he said.

“The Mineral and Geoscience Department already has the rough data on underground water.

“So we can use that in collaboration with our partners to determine the exact figures and numbers,” he said.

A comprehensive audit on the water industry in all states by the Water Supply Department is also needed, said Xavier, and the department has been instructed to conduct the audit.

“This way we can find out the problems being faced, the supply and demand, the assets available, and what can be done about it,” he said.

Xaview said that climate change had not spared Malaysia, and was a inescapable fact. 

He predicted a rainfall shortage over the next 10 years.

“I visited Kedah recently, and discovered some rivers had become dry up to the riverbeds, and patches of forests at higher altitudes catching fire.

“This is a sign for us to start taking action. If we face drought due to insufficient groundwater, then underground water is a potential solution, especially for Kedah where things are becoming dire,” Dr Xavier was quoted as saying.