GEORGE TOWN, August 14 – Penang’s water supply is facing a critical situation as the effective capacities of the Air Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam have fallen below 30% due to insufficient rainfall and high consumption rates. As of mid-August, the Air Itam Dam stands at 29.7% capacity, while the Teluk Bahang Dam is at 26.4%. The reduction in water levels, exacerbated by low rainfall, necessitates immediate water conservation efforts from residents in affected areas, including Air Itam, Farlim, Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi, and Tanjung Bungah.
PBAPP is urging local consumers to reduce water usage to mitigate potential shortages. Despite recent rainfall, which has slightly slowed the rate of capacity reduction, it remains inadequate to replenish the dams. The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) is awaiting further analysis from the Malaysian Meteorological Department to determine if cloud seeding might be a viable option to address the water shortage. Meanwhile, PBAPP continues to operate on high alert, monitoring the situation closely and providing updates to ensure the sustainability of water resources for the region.
