THE current dry spell in Penang has resulted in a significant drop in the water level at the Air Itam Dam and water consumers have been urged to use water wisely.
During a press conference yesterday, state Public Works, Utilities and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the water capacity in Air Itam Dam was at a ‘critical level’ and could only last for 40 days without rainfall.
According to Zairil, cloud seeding operations have been carried out from May 2 to May 4 and more would be conducted if necessary.
When contacted by the Buletin Mutiara team, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng said that the dry spell is a yearly issue but this year, the condition is more critical compared to the previous years.
“Whenever I give my speeches, I always tell people in the neighbourhood to use water wisely.
“As a resident and a local boy here as well as the area’s assemblyman, I would like to request the residents not to take water for granted.
“Please cut down on unnecessary water usage such as washing cars and so on. And I hope the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will have a contingency plan if the condition persists,” Ng said.
Meanwhile, 64-year-old Sri Devi Thiagarajan, who was born and bred in Air Itam, is hoping for rain to help improve the water level of the dam.
“As a resident here since I was born, every year we always hear of the water level dropping at the Air Itam Dam. But we have never faced any water shortages in our area.
“This year, the weather is quite unpredictable, and I hope we will be able to see some rain soon.
“I know PBAPP has done cloud seedings. So far, it is doing a good job.
“In fact, PBAPP has always been quick to respond to complaints, like pipe leakages.
“Air Itam is said to have a high consumption of water perhaps due to its population. Still, I hope that people will not use water unnecessarily, for example using excessive water to wash cars.
“Please conserve water during times such as this,” Sri Devi said.
Meanwhile, Penang Petty Traders Association president Ooi Thean Huat said that Penang is a blessed place, and even though there are concerns about water shortages due to the dry spell, nature will help the land.
“God will bless us, so I believe it will not affect us much.
“I know it is quite difficult for people to use less water due to the extremely hot weather, but I hope that everyone would do their part by conserving water,” Ooi said.
Businesswoman K. Rasi, 48, said whether it is a dry spell or not, at all times we should not waste water but conserve it.
“I have a shop in Air Itam and have been operating there for the past two years. But only this year did I hear of the water level at the dam (Air Itam) being critical.
“As a consumer in the area, perhaps we could use water wisely,” Rasi said.
For, Chin Sui Kem, a resident living at Bandar Baru Farlim, she said she will cooperate in saving water as well as storing it for emergency use.
“In this way, I hope I am contributing in a small part to help sustain the water at the dam.
“Of course, I also hope that it will rain soon, especially at the catchment area,” she said.
Apart from the water level at the Air Itam Dam, the Teluk Bahang Dam water level has also dropped significantly.
It is learned that the Air Itam Dam supplies water to households in Air Itam, Paya Terubong, and the area nearby.
The Air Itam Dam supplies water to households in Air Itam, Paya Terubong and the surrounding area, with around 30,000 consumers. The Teluk Bahang Dam supplies water to about 50,000 consumers in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and other nearby areas.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Siti Noor Nabilah Noorazis & courtesy of interviewees