Kedah menteri besar Sanusi Md Nor said the Kulim Hi-Tech and Pinang Tunggal/Sungai Petani plants had to undergo a total shutdown at 10.50pm and 11.10pm, respectively, because of a high Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) reading.

NTU refers to the concentration of suspended solids in the water.

Sanusi said the high NTU reading was caused by the floods, which have left three dead so far.

“This temporary closure will affect around 80,000 account holders in the Kulim Hi-Tech area and 121,000 account holders in the Pinang Tunggal/Sungai Petani area,” he said in a Facebook post.

He said water concessionaire Syarikat Air Darul Aman will mobilise water tankers to the affected areas.

As of last night, more than 1,400 flood victims were still staying at three relief centres in Kupang, Baling.