GEORGE TOWN, November 8 – The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), in collaboration with the federal government, has greenlit four significant water projects to bolster Penang’s water resilience. Among these is the Lahar Yooi Pump House, set to draw an additional 440 million litres daily (MLD) from Sungai Muda to fill the Expanded Mengkuang Dam (EMD) more efficiently. This pump house, part of the Mengkuang Dam Expansion Project (MDEP), is pivotal to converting the EMD from a strategic drought reserve into a daily-use dam, ensuring water availability during emergency situations.
In addition, PBAPP and the state government seek federal support for a dual-purpose pipeline from the EMD to the Sungai Dua Canal, further enabling up to 1,040 MLD drawdowns. PBAPP Chief Executive Officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan explained that the pipeline will sustain operations of the Lahar Yooi Pump House, supporting water transfer during both wet seasons and emergencies. Discussions around these projects took place last month, led by state executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari and the federal Water Supply Division under the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation.
Further enhancing Penang’s water security, two off-river storage schemes (ORSS) near Sungai Muda and Sungai Kerian are planned, providing backup during droughts. Expected to secure funding under the 13th Malaysia Plan, these projects align with Penang’s RM1.184 billion Water Contingency Plan 2030 and the Perak-Penang Water Project.
