Water woes plague village in Hulu Langat

For the villagers of Kampung Padang in Hulu Langat, the lack of clean water supply is nothing new. 

For over five years, the villagers have struggled with this problem.

Speaking to MalaysiaNow, several residents said that the situation stems from low water pressure, making it difficult for water to be distributed to households located in higher areas.

They said the situation worsens during the day when the villagers simultaneously open their taps, resulting in slow water flow to their homes.

Among those affected is Muhammad Mukhriz Muhammad Zubir, who lives in the highest area where the water pressure is not strong enough for water to be supplied to his house.

According to the 24-year-old factory worker, the water supply to his house will be cut off as early as 6am, and only restored after 10.30pm.

"Consequently, all water-related activities such as washing clothes and dishes have to be done late at night," he told MalaysiaNow.

"We also collect water for bathing or emergency purposes."

Mukhriz is however grateful that his house is adjacent to Sungai Congkak, which allows him to bathe when there is no water supply at his house, especially on weekends.

Meanwhile, Anuar Mohd Akhir, who has lived in the village his whole life, said the settlement area did not always have this problem.

He said it was believed to have started more than five years ago, although the exact cause was unknown.

He said the residents had reported the issue to Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) – before it was taken over by Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) – but were informed that there was no solution.

"At that time, we were only told that it was a low-pressure problem and that there was no solution," he said.

Anuar hopes that the Selangor government will be more responsive to the issues faced by residents in the village and take initiatives to resolve the problem.

He said the water shortage would be one of the villagers' criteria in choosing a candidate for the upcoming state polls.

Kampung Padang falls under Dusun Tua, a Malay-majority state constituency which has been contested since 1974.

"Selangor is a wealthy state. I don't understand why this issue still cannot be resolved," Anuar added.