GEORGE TOWN, December 19 – On December 19, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP), led by CEO Ir. Pathmanathan K., is swiftly responding to a significant water pipeline burst in Sungai Perai. The incident, discovered at 8.26 am yesterday, has impacted approximately 200,000 water consumers in the South-West District of Penang Island and specific areas in Seberang Perai. The burst pipeline, with a diameter of 1,350mm, is situated on the Sungai Perai riverbed and is critical for transporting treated water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to the 3rd Penang Twin Submarine Pipelines.
These pipelines connect Butterworth on the mainland to the Macallum Area on Penang Island and are crucial for water distribution in the region. A specialist contractor from Port Klang has been engaged to conduct underwater welding work to repair the ruptured section of the pipeline, located approximately 3.5m below the river surface. Following a preliminary inspection by a commercial diving team, a hole of about 20cm x 30cm was discovered on the pipeline’s surface. Today, the underwater welding work is scheduled to commence, involving the welding of a 60cm x 60cm steel plate over the ruptured section.
The timing will be determined based on visibility and river conditions for safety reasons. PBAPP, aiming to minimize inconvenience, advises affected consumers to store water during this period. PBAPP emphasizes that this water supply interruption is unscheduled due to the unexpected mishap and extends apologies for the inconvenience caused. Regular updates will be provided on the official Facebook page, and details about the affected areas will be publicized once available. The projected duration of the interruption will also be communicated based on the specialist contractor’s schedule.
