Not business as usual for companies hit by water cut

Companies forced to reduce operating hours and services during water cut in Klang Valley

SOME business proprietors in Klang Valley scaled down their operations and services in response to the three-day scheduled water cut that started yesterday.

The supply disruption was caused by maintenance and replacement works at the Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant by Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd.

The maintenance works began at 9am and supply to the affected areas is slated to resume fully tomorrow at noon.

Areas in three regions, namely the Petaling and Hulu Langat districts in Selangor, as well as most parts of Kuala Lumpur, were hit by the cut.

In Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, spa and wellness centre owner Mastura Idris said they were not accepting bookings for spa treatments until tomorrow.

“For the time being, we are open only for facial treatment and make-up appointments.

“Some clients have cancelled their appointments due to hygiene concerns,” she said, adding that her centre had stored water for the water cut.

In Kajang, mamak restaurant worker A. Nagoorkani said the eatery would remain closed until supply resumed.

He said the restaurant had stored water for emergency use but it was not enough for daily operations.

“We need lots of water as we have to wash dishes and prepare food for customers,” he added.

A carwash attendant near Bukit Jalil, who wished to be known only as Rahman, said the business would operate only from 9am to 5pm during the scheduled cut.

“We stored up rainwater after learning about the cut a few days ago. But it is likely not enough to carry out business as usual,” he added.

As of 3pm yesterday, the water concessionaire said works were more than 70% completed and running smoothly according to schedule.

“Supply to the affected areas will resume in stages,” Air Selangor said in a statement on its website.

The duration of the cut and restoration will depend on the area, water pressure and distribution of the water systems.

It also said that water tanks were continually mobilised to health premises like hospitals, clinics and dialysis centres.

Meanwhile, several other areas in Selangor such as Klang, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Selangor experienced low water pressure after the Rantau Panjang treatment plant ceased operations temporarily.

The plant was shut down following the detection of odour pollution in Sungai Selangor in the wee hours of yesterday, according to Air Selangor.

The concessionaire said maintenance at the plant was completed at 4am, with the list of affected areas being updated from time to time.

For details on supply disruption, visit waterupdates.airselangor.com, Air Selangor app, its official social media pages or call hotline 15300.