Kuala lumpur: The state government, through Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB), has proposed building a temporary water tank at Kem Terendak in Sungai Udang as a short-term measure to address recurring water supply issues at the camp.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management senior exco Datuk Rais Yasin stated that the move is necessary while awaiting the completion of the Development and Upgrade of the Water Reticulation System project at the camp, which is expected to be ready by April 2028. However, the construction of the temporary tank hinges on approval from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).
"The water issue at Kem Terendak falls under the purview of the Public Works Department and Mindef, but the state government, through SAMB, is committed to helping affected residents, military personnel and their families," Rais Yasin said. He mentioned that the state government is preparing to submit a proposal to Mindef and is actively seeking a suitable location for the temporary tank, alongside deploying mobile water tankers.
Rais Yasin was speaking after a handover ceremony of two 5,000-litre water tanks from SAMB to Kem Terendak. Terendak Garrison Headquarters commanding officer Lt Col Annuar Kaliman and SAMB chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Saleh Jusman were also present at the event.
Earlier, Rais Yasin revealed that approximately 2,000 military personnel and households, along with five schools, including a MARA Junior Science College, within the camp have been experiencing water supply disruptions for the past five days. He attributed the disruption to a major pipe burst along Jalan Kampung Payasum in Sungai Udang, with repairs expected to conclude by tonight, although full restoration is anticipated to take another one to two days.
"To ease the burden, SAMB has been delivering 25,000 gallons of water daily using 25 tanker lorries since yesterday. But this is insufficient, given that an estimated 2,000 military personnel and households are affected," he added. "We have also supplied water containers for school use to ensure daily activities run smoothly. I apologise to all Kem Terendak residents and affected families. The state government will continue to stand by them."