AS the dry and scorching weather persists, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to tackle the looming water crisis.
According to state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang has obtained 33 million litres per day (MLD) of treated water assistance from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Seberang Perai to mitigate the effects of the decreased water supply.
“This supplementary measure involves pumping water back to the Air Itam service area, ensuring continued access to water for residents and businesses alike.”
Acknowledging the technological difficulties associated with cloud seeding programmes, the Penang government has consulted MET Malaysia for professional advice. No significant rainfall was recorded despite prior cloud seeding operations.
The partnership seeks to determine when and under what circumstances cloud seeding programmes should be used to maximise their influence in replenishing essential water supplies.
To ensure Penang’s water infrastructure is resilient and sustainable in the face of climatic concerns, authorities are working to alleviate the negative impacts of the existing drought through proactive measures and strategic cooperation with appropriate agencies.
In a statement yesterday, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) appealed to all Penang water consumers to kindly reduce their water consumption by 10% immediately.
PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said the estimated water consumption in Penang hit 927 million litres per day (MLD) on 17 March, 2024, compared to an 877 MLD average in 2023.
“This represents a sudden 50 MLD surge in water consumption year-on-year.
“This surge equates to a volume of water that could fill 20 Olympic-size swimming pools daily or 33,333,333 large (1.5L) bottles of drinking water every day.
“Such a surge in a water-stressed state is not wise or sustainable. It is causing issues in some areas in the southwest district and south Seberang Perai,” Pathmanathan said in the statement.
Since Feb 5 this year, PBAPP’s implementation of the Air Itam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024) has increased the dam’s effective capacity by 4.5%, from 32.8% on Feb 5, 2024, to 37.3% on March 17, 2024.
The statement emphasised that a key factor that will determine the continuing success of AIDAP 2024 is moderate consumption of water.
“Our water supply is ‘not safe’ until rainfall refills our dams and the Muda Dam in Kedah,” it added.
The public is urged to refrain from using water hoses for gardening, vehicle or premises cleaning immediately. Everyone is advised to use water wisely at home and at work.
For water-saving tips, please visit www.pba.com.my
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar