THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has once again brought pride to Penang after being conferred the Malaysia Water Award for Management 2025 by the Malaysia Water Association (MWA), in recognition of its exceptional leadership in water supply management.
The prestigious national award was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof to Penang Chief Minister and PBAPP chairman Chow Kon Yeow, who was accompanied by PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk Ir. K. Pathmanathan, during the MWA Annual Dinner and Awards Night 2025 held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur this evening.
PBAPP’s nomination stood out for its consistent achievements in operational performance, sustainability initiatives, and innovation in the Malaysian water sector.
Among the key highlights were its strong water supply key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2024, six ISO-accredited management systems, and its commitment to transparent data sharing and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting in line with Bursa Malaysia’s standards.
The company’s RM2.1 billion Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030), which aims to expand Penang’s water treatment capacity by 602 million litres per day (MLD), develop three new secondary raw water sources in Seberang Perai, and enhance treated water pumping capacity to Penang Island, also contributed to the win.
PBAPP’s Zero Waste Water Treatment Residue (WTR) Recycling Project at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant was another key milestone cited in the award.
The project recycles supernatant water from treatment processes as a new raw water source and transforms processed WTR into cement bricks, showcasing an innovative approach to circular resource management.
Complementing this is PBAPP’s GeoWater Real-time GIS system, a digital platform enabling real-time tracking, analysis, and management of key water infrastructure and leak detection through geospatial data.
In his keynote address, Fadillah congratulated PBAPP for exemplifying excellence and resilience in the national water industry.
“The success of Malaysia’s water sector depends not only on infrastructure and technology but also on the people who design, operate and manage it with integrity and professionalism.
“We must continue to modernise, professionalise and future-proof our water industry so that it remains sustainable, inclusive and capable of ensuring long-term water security for the nation,” he said.
He added that collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial as Malaysia transitions towards a water-secure and climate-resilient future.
“The government remains committed to fostering innovation, accountability and human capital development within the water industry.
“The true measure of progress lies not just in our systems but in the character and commitment of the people who serve,” he said.
This marks the fourth time the MWA Management Award has come to Penang.
The late Datuk Ir. Kam U-Tee, the first general manager of Pihak Berkuasa Air (PBA), received it in 1994; Datuk Ir. Liew Chook San in 2001 following PBAPP’s corporatisation; and Datuk Seri Ir. Jaseni Maidinsa in 2018.
The latest victory saw PBAPP once again bringing home the crystal challenge trophy, commemorative plaque, and RM5,000 cash prize.
Meanwhile, Pathmanathan, in his brief speech, thanked the MWA for the recognition and vowed to continue with its good work regarding water supply in Penang.
“We may not be the largest or the wealthiest water supply corporation in Malaysia, but we have done a relatively good job.
“This recognition reflects our team’s consistency in maintaining high service standards, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring that Penang continues to enjoy one of the most reliable water supply services in the country.
“I would like to thank all 1,540 PBAPP personnel for their hard work, professionalism, and commitment to our shared mission,” he said in his speech.
Earlier this year, PBAPP’s holding company, PBA Holdings Bhd, also secured two accolades at The Edge Centurion Club Awards 2025 for Highest Growth in Profit After Tax (PAT) and Highest Returns to Shareholders over three years in the telecommunications, media, and utilities category (companies with a market capitalisation below RM1 billion).
The latest national award reflects the collective effort and professionalism of PBAPP’s 1,540 employees.
The 2025 awards mirror the results of teamwork, professionalism, and long-term planning.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan