BALING: The prolonged dry spell has drastically reduced the water level in Sungai Ketil, exposing its riverbed.
Today's checks revealed that the water level has plummeted to just 0.3 metres, a significant drop from its usual seven metres.
Mohd Nordin Ishak, 43, a resident of Kampung Sungai Batu, attributed the decrease to the extended period of hot weather.
He said that even brief rainfall had little impact on the river's water level.
"When the river is shallow, residents take the opportunity to wash clothes and cast fishing nets in the afternoon," he said.
"For drinking and cooking, most residents rely on water supplied by Syarikat Air Darul Aman (Sada)."
Meanwhile, Baling district officer Yazlan Sunardie Che Yahaya has urged residents to prepare for potential water supply disruptions.
He said the current dry season had already led to water shortages in several districts, with reservoirs, lakes, and rivers running low.
"We need to be prepared for possible water shortages for some time.
"We are hoping for rain to restore the river's water level soon," he said when contacted.