100 People Perform Solat Istisqa in Kampung Selamat, Gunung Semanggol, Praying for Rain
100 People Perform Solat Istisqa in Kampung Selamat, Gunung Semanggol, Praying for Rain
Approximately 100 congregants gathered to perform Solat Istisqa at Titi Asmara, Kampung Selamat, here, to pray for blessed rain from the Almighty.
The sunnah prayer began at 9 a.m. and was led by the Selinsing State Assemblyman (ADUN), Salehhuddin Abdullah, while the sermon was delivered by Sidek Noor.
According to Salehhuddin, the prayer was performed as an effort to seek rain following the declining water levels at the Bukit Merah Dam, which threatens the livelihoods of paddy farmers and the supply of clean water for residents' daily use.
"It has been months since the Gunung Semanggol area received rain. In addition to the special prayers, we want the government to expedite the construction of the water transfer project from Perak to the Bukit Merah Dam," he said.
He emphasized that delays in the project could lead to significant losses for farmers in Kerian, particularly around Gunung Semanggol and Selinsing, while inland fishermen who depend on the dam also face the risk of losing their source of income.
Residents are becoming increasingly worried after receiving information that clean water supplies for domestic use may need to be rationed in the near future.
"We hope the construction of this water transfer project can be accelerated because we are concerned that costs will continue to rise. Initially, the cost was estimated at RM300 million, then it jumped to RM800 million, and it may reach RM1 billion," he said.
Salehhuddin stressed that the delay in this project not only affects farmers but also impacts the issue of national food security.
"We do not want farmers and fishermen to be victims of the situation. Immediate action must be taken before this crisis becomes more severe," he said.
The Solat Istisqa was performed with solemnity, reflecting the local community's hope that the dry season will end soon and water supplies will return to normal.
