Govt Launches 'War Room' To Address Extreme Climate Challenges

PUTRAJAYA, April 16 (Bernama) -- The government today launched an operations centre, or ‘War Room’, to strengthen the nation’s preparedness in addressing extreme climate change challenges through a whole-of-government approach.

The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) said in a statement today that the War Room was launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

“The War Room serves as the core of the nation’s strategic monitoring by integrating data, expertise and actions across multiple agencies in a coordinated manner to ensure that the country’s water supply remains secure, stable and resilient.

“The establishment of this War Room reflects the government’s commitment to shift from a reactive approach to a more proactive, data-driven approach in managing national water challenges, particularly amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions due to global climate change,” the statement read.

Through this platform, coordination among the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (PETRA), SPAN, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) as well as water operators is strengthened to enable swift and effective action in addressing risks of water supply disruption.

Cloud seeding operations (OPA) are currently being carried out by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) in several states facing declining dam levels.

Based on current monitoring, the overall water supply situation remains under control. However, several dams are showing a downward trend in water levels, requiring close monitoring following prolonged hot and dry weather conditions.

“In this regard, the government has mobilised various integrated mitigation measures across agencies and states to ensure the continued well-being of the people.

“Among the measures implemented are the provision of alternative water supply, installation of additional treatment technologies, as well as the implementation of raw water transfer projects from alternative sources,” the statement read.

According to SPAN, the implementation of long-term water infrastructure projects is also being intensified to enhance national water security, including efforts to diversify water sources and strengthen existing system capacity to better withstand the impacts of extreme climate change.

“Although there are localised disruptions, the majority of areas continue to enjoy stable water supply. However, the government emphasises that public cooperation is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s water supply.

“As such, the public is urged to practise prudent water usage as part of a shared responsibility in safeguarding water resource security, public well-being and national sustainability,” SPAN said.

The public can now monitor the current status of water resources and supply at 43 major dams nationwide in a transparent and real-time manner via the War Room platform at https://warroom.span.gov.my/warroom.

-- BERNAMA