PENANG, December 20 – Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) has completed emergency pipeline repair works on a key pipeline along Jalan Kubang Semang, Permatang Pauh, Seberang Perai Utara (SPU). The repaired 1,200mm pipeline is a key treated water distribution pipeline. It delivers treated water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to all key areas in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), including the Bukit Minyak Industrial Park, Simpang Ampat, Sungai Bakap, Jawi and Nibong Tebal.
The emergency works involved the removal of a faulty 1,200mm butterfly valve from the pipeline. The valve had been installed more than 23 years ago. The leakage was compromising the distribution pressure to SPS. Moreover, there was a risk of the faulty valve bursting and causing a major water supply interruption in SPS. In order to facilitate the emergency repair works, PBAPP had to shut down the 1,200mm pipeline for 17 hours, from 10.00pm on Saturday (18.12.2021) to 3.00pm on Sunday (19.12.2021).
The shutting down of this 1,200mm pipeline caused water supply interruptions in various areas on the mainland on 18.12.2021 and 19.12.2021. During the on-going repair work, at 4.30 am on 19.12.2021 (Sunday), PBAPP had to shut down another 3 valves to facilitate the repair work. This additional emergency work caused water supply interruption to areas in Seberang Perai Selatan. This was an unforeseen emergency situation.
Consumers in the following areas experienced no water supply:
| District | Areas |
| Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) | Taman Arowana Emas, Permatang Janggus, Taman Janggus Jaya, Taman Naluri Ria, Kg. Pertama, Taman Arowana, Permatang Tengah, Taman Naluri Indah and Pmtg. Tok Kandu |
| Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT) | Taman Hj. Mohd Amin, Kg. Masjid Timah, Taman Pauh Jaya, Kg. Belah Dua, Kg. Besar, Bt. Tengah, Taman Setia, Kebun Sireh, Taman Sejati, Taman Bayu Mutiara, UiTM Pulau Pinang, Kg. Tok Ebot, Taman Pauh, Kg. Jelapang, Utan Nibong, Kg. Tok Panjang, Taman Indah, Kg. Bt. Indah, Taman IKS Bkt. Tengah and Bukit Tengah. |
| Seberang Perai Selatan | All areas of Seberang Perai Selatan |
During this time, PBAPP immediately mobilized their water tanks to consumers in the end of line and high ground areas. The work was completed at 3.35 pm and water supply was normalized by 5.30 pm whilst for those at the end of the pipeline and higher grounds, supply was restored in stages. PBAPP apologises to all affected water consumers for all the inconveniences caused by the emergency repair work on 18.12.2021 and 19.12.2021. However, please note the following:
- This was an emergency scenario that required a rapid response.
- The removal of the valves to stop leakages was an urgent and necessary initiative to prevent a major water supply issue in SPS.
- The emergency repair works were completed in compliance with parameters set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
