BUTTERWORTH, April 20 — A newly installed RM8.7 million, 1.35-metre diameter water pipeline at Sungai Perai will soon be operational following final connection works scheduled from April 23 to 26, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced. This pipeline, which links to the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant, is part of a broader effort to address past leaks and enhance water infrastructure across the state.
The project, completed over 15 months, replaces two existing 600mm pipelines currently mounted on the Ampang Jajar Bridge, which were not designed to support such loads. According to PBAPP CEO Dato’ Ir. Pathmanathan K., this pipeline is one of three major water projects that will be completed during a scheduled water supply interruption in April.
Once connected, the Sungai Perai River Crossing Pipeline (SP-RCP) will increase treated water flow capacity by up to 290%, enabling the pumping of 50 million litres per day (MLD) more water to Penang Island. This upgrade, alongside pump house improvements and valve replacements, will result in better water pressure, quicker recovery from outages, and more stable supply during peak demand periods.
The coordinated works will impact over 340,000 water users during the temporary disruption, with full restoration expected by April 28. Authorities have urged residents to store sufficient water in advance and stay informed via PBAPP’s official platforms. This infrastructure enhancement marks a significant milestone in ensuring long-term water security and service reliability for Penang.
