THE RM250 million Mengkuang Park Water Treatment Plant (WTP) project in Central Seberang Perai (SPT) is progressing smoothly and remains on track for full completion by November this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman, said the project, which commenced on May 19 last year, has currently achieved 35% completion.
He described the project as a key component of the PBAPP’s initiative to optimise the full utility of the Expanded Mengkuang Dam (EMD) in SPT.
“This project is also part of the Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), which aims to maximise every available raw water source in Penang.
“The Mengkuang Dam is one of the strategic raw water sources that can now be fully utilised through this new water treatment plant project.
“At the same time, two major pipelines are being constructed in tandem with the project. One pipeline will channel treated water to Bukit Mertajam, while the other will connect to the lake area, supplying water primarily to communities across SPT.
“Once completed as planned, SPT is expected to enjoy sufficient and more reliable water supply coverage.
“This project will also optimise the operation of our pumping systems along the entire alignment, including in Permatang Tinggi,” he said during a press conference following a site visit to the Mengkuang Park WTP today.
Also present were state Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan.
Chow added that several other water treatment plant projects are also being developed simultaneously, particularly in the southern district of Penang.
“This is the first of four new WTPs being developed by PBAPP under Phase 2 of the WCP 2030.
“The remaining three WTPs, which will tap water sources from Sungai Kerian, Sungai Perai and Sungai Muda, are scheduled for completion by 2030.
“By 2030, these projects are expected to increase Penang’s water supply capacity by an additional 600 million litres per day (MLD).
“This additional capacity will be sufficient to support Penang’s future needs while awaiting the completion of the Perak–Penang Water Project,” Chow said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat