Rectification works carried out at the site beside the New Town PJ Public Bank is expected to complete today. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Maria J. Dass, July 15, 2015. – See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/citynews/greater-kl/article/business-dwindles-along-with-water-supply-in-pj-old-town#sthash.nRaWL93D.dpuf
The business community in Petaling Jaya (PJ) New Town, Selangor, are losing both patience and money over the frequent water disruptions occurring in the last week.
Several outlets, especially restaurants and medical clinics, had had to shut down for a few days.
Two medical practitioners who declined to be named said they had to close their clinics on the days there were disruptions, which occurred without warning.
“I had to call to reschedule appointments and move those who had came to the next day — and there was no water again when they came back the next day!” said the doctor.
“Do you think they will come back for a third time?” she asked wryly.
Another doctor said she, too, had to send patients away on days when water supply was cut off and when the supply was too low to work with.
Malaya Opticals administrative manager May Ong said the disruptions were difficult because water was needed for operations.
“We are ashamed to even let our customers in to use the toilet.
“We rent out the top floor and our tenants have been grumbling at having to pay rent and put up with this,” she said adding that she had her hands full trying to run the shop on an intermittent water supply and appeasing disgruntled tenants.
“No notice was given for the disruptions and we were taken by surprise. We scrambled for a contingency plan to remain open for business,” said a frame shop manager.
He said he and his workers had mix the glue with drinking water from the dispenser.
“We have stored up some water in the shop now as the supply has been intermittent and erratic,” he said.
Just behind the shop, Ahmad Javed is trying to figure out how to manage without water as supply had ceased again last night.
The Khyber Pass restaurant owner said his clientele had reduced over the past week and those who did turn up had to be turned away as there was no water to cook, make drinks or wash up with.
“Look at how empty it is,” he said, adding that there were usually customers even during the fasting month.
“Yesterday we had to take a bath by the road behind our shop where the only tap with water supply and very low pressure at that, could be found.
Khyber Pass restaurant owner Ahmad Javed tries to figure out how to manage yet again without water again in the kitchen. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Maria J. Dass, July 15, 2015.
Down the road, a Chinese restaurant was open for lunch, but the manager, who wished to be known as Angie, was furious by the frequent and sudden water cuts.
“Our outlet, and many others around us, had to close on July 8 as the water cut happened without warning,” she said, adding that over the week, the restaurant, like others in the area, had to transport water from elsewhere.
Angie said that they had also to resort to disposable utensils.
“This has been going on over the week and we are very annoyed with the people in charge, she said.
“Here we are, with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) just across the road, and we have to face this kind of situation.”
Workers, students and customers had to walk some distance to use the toilets at commercial blocks with water supply.
Some premises in the area, including a hotel, with their own tanks were spared the pain of their neighbours.
When contacted, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd corporate communication and public affairs manager Priscilla Alfred said the disruptions were caused by burst pipes.
The first disruption was on July 7 and the second reported yesterday.
Rectification works seen being carried out at the site beside the New Town PJ Public Bank were expected to finish today. – July 15, 2015.
selangoronline.com 
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