TANAH MERAH: More than 2,000 villagers of Kampung Lalang Pepuyu have had to greet the fasting month in difficulty as they have been left without water supply since last week.
They have been forced to get water from a nearby river or look for places in other districts to bathe. In fact, some of their children have been forced to skip school because of the problem.
Checks at the village showed residents out as early as 7.30am, carrying water bottles and containers, to get whatever water they can from a Fire and Rescue Department truck.
Abdul Rahim Abdullah, 62, said water supply was cut without warning by the authorities, making it extremely difficult for the villagers, especially during Ramadan.
"Several residents have sought an explanation from Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB), but they (AKSB) apparently don't know why up till now.
"It makes it even worse that we don't know when this problem will be solved. This happened last week but only yesterday (Saturday) AKSB sent a tanker to provide us with water, but even this is nowhere near enough for the many people here.
"I hope the authorities can take immediate action to solve this problem, especially since many activities have been interrupted by the lack of water," he said when met as he was waiting to collect water from the fire truck.
Among those lining up were children and even the elderly, all struggling to lug heavy containers filled with potable water back home.
For 40-year-old Noriah Mamat, it took several trips with containers on her motorcycle before she could get enough for her household.
With the fire truck parked at the village mosque, which is located quite a distance from her house, Noriah had no choice but to use her motorcycle.
"Water is an important resource, not just for cooking, but also for bathing and washing clothes. My children have had to miss school because they haven't been able to bathe, nor do they have clean clothes.
"I hope this problem will be solved soon so we can get back to our everyday lives," she said.
Meanwhile, the AKSB corporate communications unit said the dry season had caused water pressure at the village to drop.
"AKSB is taking action to overcome the problem, apart from the short term measures like sending tankers to the village. The Tanah Merah branch of AKSB is looking into the issue and will take action at the site," the unit said.