KOTA KINABALU: As the drought persists, the Sabah government is rushing to send over water supply aid to 355 villages in 12 districts across the state.

       Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor has directed the delivery of water to some 50,800 affected households in villages spanning Tongod, Tuaran, Papar, Keningau, Semporna, Kota Belud, Tenom, Pitas, Penampang, Kudat, Tawau and Kota Kinabalu.

       He said the state government has set aside RM7.5mil for water distribution and is working in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency.“The State Water Department and Disaster Operation Command Centre in the affected districts have begun distributing water.

       “Water treatment plants at river catchments are on the brink of drying up due to the ongoing drought since mid-February.

       This may affect more areas if the situation persists,” he said at the presentation of assistance to the Fire and Rescue Department at Menara Kinabalu here yesterday.

       The Chief Minister said the Malaysia Meteorological Department has recommended cloud seeding operations from today until Saturday.