ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Sembrong Dam in Kluang is expected to be upgraded to accommodate the rising need for water supply around the area, says Johor executive councillor Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.

The state works, transportation, infrastructure and communication committee chairman said that currently, the dam was being used mainly for flood mitigation and water catchment.

"This is part of our long-term plan in addressing water issues around the area and Bukit Permai in Kulai.

"At the same time, we will also add water tanks around areas that are facing water shortages as part of the medium and short-term," he said, adding that the project was expected to start this year.

He said this in a press conference after the inaugural ceremony of the first cross-border electric bus at a mall here.

Mohamad Fazli said this when asked to comment about water issues around the Bukit Permai area that have led to some 1,000 people spending the first day of Hari Raya without water.

"We have asked SAJ Ranhill Sdn Bhd to submit a report to explain about the water disruption that has affected the people of Bukit Permai," he said.

Mohamad Fazli added that the project was expected to start at the end of this year and is expected to be completed next year or in 2027.

Last Thursday (April 11), more than 1,000 residents in Kulai - Gagasan Murni Jaya, Kampung Sri Muar and Felda Bukit Permai - reportedly had to spend their festive celebration without water.

State executive councillor and Bukit Permai assemblyman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the taps were dry and the lorries supplying water to the villages were also late.

Water disruption issues in the areas had been going on for years and became more critical during festive seasons, said Mohd Jafni in a statement on Facebook last Thursday.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi had on Monday (April 15) expressed the state government's regret that water disruptions are still happening in parts of the state.