SIK, March 30 (Bernama) -- Prolonged hot weather has lowered the level of Beris Lake, affecting daily life and posing challenges for small-scale tourism operators.
Resort operator Abdul Rashid Abdullah, 65, said the current hot spell is among the worst he has experienced in over 25 years of running a business in the area.
“If the hot weather continues, activities here, especially those on the water, like kayaking, will definitely be affected,” he told Bernama today.
He explained that the receding water since January has left a floating café stranded on dry ground.
“Areas that were once underwater are now completely exposed. You can even see tree stumps that used to be submerged. The view looks completely different now,” he said.
Resident Muhammad Helmi Hashim, 42, who planted about 45 durian saplings of various varieties, as well as cash crops, in the area six months ago, said the situation is affecting activities that rely on the lake for irrigation.
“This area used to be a rubber plantation, and we depended on the lake to irrigate our crops. When the water level drops, we have to move the pump every day to make sure the plants get enough water,” he said.
He added that the extended dry spell, combined with water being released from the dam into the river, is among the main reasons for the lake’s receding water.
Muhammad Helmi said that if the situation persists and the lake dries up, they may have to rely on water delivered by tanker lorries to protect their crops.
Meanwhile, in TAIPING, the level of Taiping Lake Gardens has dropped but remains under control despite the recent hot spell.
Taiping Municipal Council president Mohamed Akmal Dahalan said the situation is not as severe as in previous years.
“When the water recedes, the lake becomes slightly less attractive as the lakebed is exposed.
“I hope this does not continue and that the hot weather does not persist for too long. Thankfully, some areas of Taiping received heavy rain yesterday, which provided some relief,” he told reporters here.
In 2024, several parts of Taiping Lake Gardens dried up due to hot weather and low rainfall.
-- BERNAMA
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