PENANG’s daily water consumption has surged by 10 per cent in the last three years from 843 megalitres per day (MLD) in 2019 to 931 MLD in May 2022, reveals state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
He regarded this as an unexpected phenomenon considering the water consumption in the state only increased by 7.8 per cent during the nine-year period from 782 MLD in 2010 to 843 MLD in 2019.
“While most economic sectors were not allowed to operate during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, water consumption still increased in Penang due to increased consumption by domestic consumers.
“Now that we have entered the endemic phase, the issue of water shortage has affected a large portion of consumers, particularly households in the south Seberang Perai district.
“The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has responded through multiple measures to address this ongoing issue. For example, it has introduced the ‘SPS Water Supply Contingency Plan’ by deploying water tankers to affected areas in the south Seberang Perai district and a few others.
“But there are two more works that will begin soon. One of them is the installation of a booster pump to alleviate water supply issues for the folk in the south.
“The booster pump will help to pump more water to the End of Line (EOL) and higher ground areas in the south, including Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Kampung Sungai Duri, Kampung Sungai Baong, Permatang Ara and the Sungai Baong Industrial Area.
“Secondly, plans are also underway to upgrade the Bukit Panchor Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which will help increase the water treatment output of the Bukit Panchor by five to 10 MLD.
“This WTP is not a big one, so there is enough space to upgrade it. And it will start as soon as we appoint a contractor through the emergency procurement method.
“I don’t think we have time to open tender to interested parties to take up these crucial projects during this critical period.
“PBAPP will do all they can to expedite these projects, as well as others in the pipeline,” Zairil told a press conference at the State Assembly building in George Town today.
He added that PBAPP would only approve water supply services for new factories that are equipped with 48-hour storage tanks on site.
“This guideline has been there for many years under the Water Service Industry Act 2006 and SPAN’s Uniform Technical Guideline (SPAN UTG),” Zairil added.
In a related development, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik reminded companies in the Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang Science Park and other neighbouring industry players in the south of Seberang Perai to instal water tanks that could store water for 48-hour use.
Also joining the press conference was Sungai Bakap assemblyman Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, who described the water shortage issue as one that should not be politicised.
“Relevant authorities have taken and are still doing their work, so we hope this issue won’t be politicised.
“For those in Sungai Bakap, please contact your respective Village Management Councils (MPPKs) so that we can get in touch with PBAPP to deploy water tanks to your houses,” Amar said.
Also present during the press conference were Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis