GEORGE TOWN, December 31 — Despite significant rainfall over the past four months, the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams on Penang Island have not fully replenished, prompting Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to implement dry weather protocols. Rainfall recorded from September to December 2024 improved the dams’ effective capacities from 30.8% to 76.7% at Air Itam Dam and 25.8% to 61.7% at Teluk Bahang Dam.
However, high water demand and the effects of El Niño during the dry season limited recovery. PBAPP CEO Dato’ Ir. Pathmanathan K. urged Penang residents to conserve water, especially in the first quarter of 2025, as festive demand increases. While the mainland’s Expanded Mengkuang Dam has a 91.6% effective capacity to support Seberang Perai and parts of Penang Island, maintaining water sufficiency requires prudent usage.
PBAPP anticipates improved rainfall from April 2025, offering potential relief. Residents are encouraged to visit the PBAPP website for water-saving tips to sustain dam reserves and support long-term water supply stability.
