THE Penang government is aiming to reduce domestic water consumption to 250 litres/capita/day (LCD) by the end of 2025, which is expected to save about 19.8 million litres per day (MLD).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the Negalitres for Schools 2.0 programme at Komtar today, said the target is realistic and achievable.
“Statistics from the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) show that domestic water consumption has been successfully reduced from 284 LCD in 2023 to 261 LCD in 2024, the lowest level recorded in 24 years.
“These achievements could not have been realised through technical or administrative efforts alone.
“Instead, they required a comprehensive change in mindset, greater awareness, and the cultivation of a water-saving culture, one that must be nurtured from a young age in schools.
“This is why Negalitres for Schools 2.0 comes at the right time as a strategic initiative,” Chow said in his speech.
Also present were Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Micron Malaysia vice-president and country manager Amarjit Singh Sandhu, Green Educators’ Workgroup (GREW) chairman Khou Jerome, and Water Watch Penang (WWP) president Prof Datuk Dr Chan Ngai Weng.
Dr Chan explained that the second edition of Negalitres for Schools will involve 170 schools statewide over three years, introducing water-saving technologies and educational programmes to reduce dependence on treated water while fostering long-term conservation practices among students.
The initiative is supported by CLEAN International, Intel Corporation, Micron Technology, Penang State Education Department, PBAPP, and the Penang Green Council.
Dr Chan said each participating school will receive water-saving fixtures installed at high-usage points such as toilets, canteens, and ablution areas.
“The project covers installation, education, and ongoing maintenance and reporting over a 10-year period.
“Importantly, there will be no financial burden on either the Penang State Education Department or the schools involved,” he added.
Chow further highlighted that Negalitres for Schools 2.0 aligns with the state’s Penang2030 vision of creating ‘A Family-Focused Green and Smart State that Inspires the Nation’ as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“I encourage school headmasters and principals to register their schools, especially those with high water bills. This will help them learn practical ways to conserve and manage water wisely,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud