This follows the recent rise in temperatures nationwide, which has caused raw water supply to decline.

A statement today from the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry said at least 15 plants had reduced production.

This has affected 27,000 households in Peninsular Malaysia and another 1,200 in Sabah.

The ministry has attributed the current hot weather to the El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to continue until June and result in a 20-60% reduction in rainfall.

Worst affected are the districts of Kota Tinggi and Mersing in Johor which have implemented a “one day on, two days off” water rationing system since Monday.

More than 17,000 households there are affected.

Water companies in the affected states are delivering water to affected homes using tankers, static tanks, pontoon pumps and purified water package plants, especially in Sabah.

“The resolution of this problem requires cooperation between the Federal Government and the state governments,” said the ministry.

“The state governments must ensure that water catchment areas are protected from uncontrolled development activities, including farming. They must protect raw water sources.”

At the same time, the Federal Government has announced that it will be looking into alternative sources of water, running campaigns to save water, and restructuring water tariff structures to encourage prudent usage of water.