The following is a Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) media statement:
——————————————————-
SYABAS’ proposed scheduled maintenance on March 14 to 15, 2012 in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, which would affect over one million consumers, is a cause for concern.
It is unacceptable to carry out maintenance procedures which would inconvenience such a large number of customers for so long.
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is most concerned over SYABAS’ proposed scheduled maintenance work as other than residents; the operations of small businesses located in the commercial zones of these areas would be affected. There could also be some industries in the affected areas.
Most industries, especially those that require water for their processes, cannot afford to experience disruption in supply as stoppage of machines would lead to huge losses.
While FMM notes that SYABAS has given the necessary notification to the public, as required in its Client Charter which is at least two days in advance through the mass media, the question that needs to be answered is whether the scheduled maintenance programme could have been carried out in phases to reduce the number of areas and consumers and minimize the impact of disruption in supply.
SYABAS is required under its Client Charter to provide water supply assistance by sending water tankers / static tanks / water containers, etc when supply interruptions exceed 24 hours for scheduled and unscheduled interruptions as well as low pressure zones.
In the event of wide scale interruption affecting more than 100,000 connections for more than 24 hours, the Client Charter also requires SYABAS to implement an Emergency Response Plan to organise water relief supplies to consumers.
In this respect, SYABAS should make known its Emergency Response Plan, especially the water supply assistance schedule to the affected areas, as some form of assurance to consumers.
The water supply assistance must be adequate, supplied on a timely basis and in an orderly manner. There should be some priority set to supply to businesses during their operating hours so that operations could continue as usual.