Melaka: The Defence Ministry (Mindef) is set to collaborate with the Melaka state government and Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB) to address the ongoing water supply disruptions at Terendak Camp. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief to military personnel and their families affected by the water issues.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari announced that this cooperation is intended to ensure a steady supply of clean water during the development and upgrading of the Water Reticulation System Project at the camp, which is scheduled for completion in April 2028. The project is currently in the design stage by the Public Works Department (JKR).

Adly highlighted the water supply disruptions as a significant challenge faced by the camp's residents during the project's implementation. He emphasized that over the next two years, Mindef will work closely with SAMB to provide short-term solutions to the water supply problems at Terendak Camp.

The announcement was made during a visit to a military veteran's home under the MADANI Veteran Care Programme at Taman Terendak Permai. The visit was also attended by Malaysian Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Department (JHEV ATM) deputy director-general Sophian Isswandy Ismail.

The nearly RM40 million water reticulation project will involve upgrading the camp's water supply system by replacing most of the ageing pipelines. This is expected to improve conditions for military personnel and their families in the long term.

Last month, it was reported that about 2,000 military personnel and households, along with five schools, including a MARA Junior Science College (MRSM), experienced a water disruption lasting more than five days. In response, SAMB delivered 25,000 gallons of water using 25 tanker lorries. Additionally, the state government is planning to construct a water tank at the camp as a temporary solution to the recurring disruptions.

Earlier in the day, Adly mentioned that 16 homes of ATM veterans, veterans' widows, and families with members who have disabilities in the Sungai Udang area were visited under the MADANI Veteran Care Programme. The programme's goal is to evaluate the living conditions of veterans and provide necessary assistance, including home repairs, medical equipment, financial aid for daily expenses, and essential items.