THE Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP), operated by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), has been recognised by The Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for three achievements linked to water recovery and environmental sustainability.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the plant was recognised as the Highest Capacity Water Recovery Plant, the First Water Treatment Plant with Zero Residual Discharge, and the First Water Treatment Plant with Zero Plant Losses in Malaysia.
Speaking at the presentation of the MBR recognition to PBAPP at Holiday Inn & Suites Prai tonight, Chow described the achievement as a testament to PBAPP’s continued efforts to innovate and improve water supply services in the state.
“This achievement serves as proof that PBAPP is consistently breaking new ground in the water supply industry.
“It is also a testament to PBAPP’s and the state government’s longstanding commitment and responsibility to improving water supply services in Penang for the benefit of its people and businesses,” he said.
Chow said the recognition also highlighted Penang’s efforts in promoting environmentally friendly water treatment practices.
He agreed with PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan that the Sungai Dua facility is now being recognised as one of the most environmentally friendly water treatment plants in the country.
On another note, Chow reiterated that the state government’s goal is to make water supply an asset rather than a liability by 2030 through the implementation of the Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030).
He said the first phase of the plan had been completed, increasing Penang’s maximum water treatment capacity from 1,599 million litres per day in 2022 to 1,732 million litres per day this year.
“The second phase is underway, involving the construction of new water treatment plants in Seberang Perai, while the third phase focuses on major pipeline projects to channel more treated water from the mainland to Penang Island,” he said.
According to Chow, when all projects under WCP 2030 are completed by 2030 or 2031, Penang will have implemented eight water supply projects worth RM2.1 billion, secured three additional raw water resources and increased its overall water treatment capacity by 602 million litres per day.
“In short, future records will show that this state administration has initiated the implementation of more water projects in eight years than any other administration during the previous 18-year period from 1999 to 2017,” he said.
Chow said the projects are necessary to support Penang’s rapid socioeconomic growth and ensure stable water supply services for residents, businesses and investors.
He noted that Penang’s gross domestic product (GDP) contribution increased by 31.6% from RM99 billion in 2021 to RM130.3 billion in 2025 following Malaysia’s transition into the Covid-19 endemic phase.
“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we can expect our GDP to grow at an equal or better rate over the next five years as we march towards the aspirations of the Penang2030 vision,” he said.
Chow also called on PBAPP personnel to ensure all planned water supply projects are completed according to schedule to safeguard the state’s future water security.
Pathmanathan welcomed the recognition by the MBR, which awarded the plant three citations for its innovative and sustainable operations.
“The achievements stem from PBAPP’s Zero Waste Water Treatment Residue (WTR) Recycling System, which recovers between 30 million and 45 million litres of water daily while eliminating wastewater discharge during normal operations.
“PBAPP hopes the system can serve as a model for other water treatment plants nationwide, helping to reduce the large volume of WTR sent to landfills each year,” he said.
Also present at the event were State Secretary Datuk Dr Jafri Abdul Jalil, state Trade, Rural Development and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Rashidi Zinol, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa and MBR chief executive officer Christopher Wong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian