“At the moment, there is no issue with water supply generally.

“However, there is a problem in a few areas in Kedah and Kota Tinggi (Johor) with the water treatment plant,” he said after officiating the 1st International Conference on Contemporary Issues 2019 here today.

Santiago said the problem is being fixed with upgrading works and pipe replacements approved by Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar on Saturday.

However, Santiago advised the public to use water sparingly and collect rainwater because the water levels at the dams may not have gone up despite recent rain.

“Even if it rains in your area, what is called ‘runoff water’ won’t fill up the dams.

“This is why it is better to collect the rain and use it for washing your car and so on,” he said.

In an earlier report, Xavier had said the hot weather would last till May and that dry conditions would cause the water level in rivers and dams in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Kedah, Pahang and Kelantan to drop.

In his speech at the conference, Santiago said climate change and insufficiency of food, water and natural resources would pose a great challenge to mankind.

“We need a paradigm shift in thinking and creativity, including new operational approaches and steadfast political decisions here and abroad.

“High-quality research and research-based teaching offers solutions and provides students with solid skills for the future.”