Securing Penang’s Future: Strategic Water Management Amid Growing Supply Challenges

Water issues in Penang are not new, and residents have once again been urged to reduce their water usage amid growing concerns over potential shortages due to low dam levels.

For instance, the Air Hitam and Teluk Bahang dams are currently at critically low capacities, standing at just 27.6% and 25.2% respectively, threatening the water supply for 75,000 households. According to Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) CEO K.
Pathmanathan, this situation is primarily due to unusually dry weather since late 2023, with recent rainfall proving insufficient to replenish the dams. [1]

In response to the looming crisis, various water-saving measures have been recommended, such as reducing car washes and using watering cans instead of hoses for watering plants. The Penang state government has also recognised the urgency of the situation and is set to invest over RM1 billion to ensure a stable water supply. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasised that PBAPP has already invested RM69.15 million in implementing the Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), a strategy designed to benefit the state’s 1.74 million
residents. [2]

As part of this initiative, PBAPP is undertaking four major water supply engineering projects to address Penang#39;s growing water demand. According to PBAPP’s Chief Executive Officer K. Pathmanathan, these priority projects include the construction of Package 12A at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP), the laying of a 13km x 1.8m pipeline from Sungai Dua WTP to Butterworth in Seberang Perai, and the installation of a 3.9km x 1.8m pipeline on Penang Island from the Macallum area to the PBAPP Bukit Dumbar Complex. Additionally, a 1.35m Sungai Perai River-Crossing pipeline will be built to replace a burst underwater pipeline, serving as a critical component in PBAPP’s network to transfer more treated water from Sungai Dua to the southwest district on Penang Island, as well as central and southern Seberang Perai (SPS).

The total projected cost of these four projects is RM220 million, [3] with Package 12A and the pipeline-laying initiatives being integral parts of the WCP 2030. PBAPP’s commitment to completing these projects by 2024 reflects the corporation’s proactive response to the state’s increasing water demand. [4]

In conclusion, while Penang faces significant challenges due to low dam levels and increased water demand, the state government and PBAPP are taking decisive action to ensure long-term water security. By investing in infrastructure and encouraging residents to adopt water-saving practices, Penang aims to mitigate the risks of future shortages and maintain a sustainable water supply for its population.

REFERENCES

[1] Bernama (2024). Malaysia’s Penang state urges public to reduce water usage amid declining dam levels.
[2] Dermawan, A. (2024). Penang government to invest over RM1 billion for water supply.
https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1108193/penang-government-invest-over-rm1-billion-water-supply
[3] Major water supply projects to meet rising demand. https://www.penangpropertytalk.com/2024/06/major-water-supply-projects-to-meet-rising-demand/
[4] Bernama (2024). Major water projects. Buletin Mutiara. September 1-15.