THE Malaysian Meteorological Department predicts a drop in rainfall as the south-west monsoon, which began on May 17, is expected to last until September.

Its director-general Alui Bahari said less rainfall could be expected in peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak during this period.

He said the neutral conditions prevailing at this time was expected to gradually move towards the formation of a weak El Nino in the fourth quarter of this year, at a 60% probability.

“A weak El Nino usually has less impact on the weather,” he said.

He said the average temperature recorded during the hot and dry season in the past two years was around 27°C to 28°C.

The highest temperature recorded during the south-west monsoon season was 38.9°C at Chuping, Perak, on May 18, 1998, during the 1997/1998 El Nino phenomenon.

Cheng has an a extra water tank so that she is not forced to close shop in the event of a water cut.

With the arrival of this monsoon, consumers have been advised to conserve water.

Last week, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd issued an advisory on using water sparingly during the hot season.

Its corporate communications head Amin Lin Abdullah said the high demand and rate of water usage among consumers during the hot weather was expected to reduce water levels in reservoirs at the Sungai Selangor Phase One to Three, Semenyih and Langat water treatment plants.

“Consumers should use treated water prudently. The use of water for non-critical purposes, such as washing vehicles, should be avoided to save water,” he said.

StarMetro spoke to Klang Valley folk to see if they were ready for the hot weather and in the event of water rationing.

Some residents and business owners said they stored water while others had empty containers on standby in the event of a water cut or rationing.

Bandar Sri Damansara resident Ravindran Raman Kutty said he stored water at all times, even if there was no water cut notice.

“With the frequent water shortages – either as a result of burst pipes or other reasons – I have two water drums filled with clean water,” he said.

Eric Ng, who owns a restaurant in Taman Equine in Serdang had installed extra water tanks for his business.

During previous water cuts, Ng resorted to getting water from areas not affected by disruption in supply so his restaurant could operate as usual.

TTDI Market Traders’ Association chairman Jenny Loo said the market was equipped with four water tanks to cater to 200 stalls.

Ravindran always keeps clean water at all times, in case there are any unannounced water cuts.

“In the event of water disruption, we have enough water for the stalls but if it is a prolonged period where we have no water, we will call Puspel, which will send its water tankers to our area,” she said.

She also advised traders to store water during the hot spell.

Shah Alam hair studio owner Keith Chin has prepared an external water pump to ensure there was enough supply to the water tank.

Chin said the external water pump was handy to pump water into the tank to ensure water did not run out.

During the hot spell in 2014, he transported water from his home in Selayang to his shop in Shah Alam when there was a water cut.

“I made two trips to store water at my shop, transporting about 380l of water per trip,” said Chin adding that he would store water if he receives the water cut notice.

Over in Kota Kemuning, dog groomer Cheng Wei Mun said she installed an additonal water tank in her shop a few years ago so that she would not have to close her shop in the event of a water cut.

In places such as Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam and SS2, Petaling Jaya, where water cuts sometimes happen without notice, some residents and businesses were prepared for water cuts.

Taman Sri Muda resident T. Mogan has been saving water in plastic containers for years now as he does not want to be caught off guard.

“The water stored in the tank and these other containers can be used for two to three days,” he said.

Ng‘s restaurant in Serdang has extra water tanks installed as water is vital to keep his business running.

Victor Koo, who manages a reflexology centre in SS2, said the area experienced water cuts often and it was necessary to store water, especially since some disruptions happened without notice.

“Once, when I called to inquire, I was told it was because of a burst pipe. At other times, no one picks up the phone,” he said.

Koo said the centre had two large containers of water in each bathroom, with 10 large containers of water elsewhere.

He said when there was no water, they would purchase wet tissues and mineral water bottles for customers.

Bandar Puteri Puchong 9 resident Loy Yuong Siang uses water sparingly.

“At home, we conserve water and use as little as possible.

“The last time there was a water disruption, we were not affected because the water in our tank lasted us a week.

“When there is a water cut, only my plants are affected as we cannot water them,” he said.

He said conserving water and consuming it sparingly required discipline and was a good habit to cultivate to be better prepared in the event of a water cut.