GEORGE TOWN, September 29 – Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) has been diligently working to resolve a raw water issue related to Sungai Muda since midnight on Friday, 29th September 2023. Highly turbid floodwater from recent floods in Baling has compelled PBAPP to reduce treated water production at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The Sungai Dua WTP is the largest and most vital WTP in Penang, supplying treated water to approximately 465,004 water consumers in Seberang Perai and Penang Island.
Upon detecting highly turbid water at the Lahar Tiang Intake, PBAPP made the necessary decision to reduce raw water abstraction from Sungai Muda. This action has led to a 30% reduction in treated water production at the Sungai Dua WTP, decreasing from an average of 1019 million liters per day (MLD) to 715 MLD as of 9.00 am. Consequently, treated water supply to 70% of consumers has been affected, primarily in the following areas:
- George Town
- South Bukit Dumbar to Balik Pulau (Pulau Betong, Bukit Penara, Pondok Upeh, and Bandar Balik Pulau)
- Seberang Perai Tengah (areas south of the Bukit Minyak Pump House)
- Seberang Perai Selatan
PBAPP’s emergency response plan (ERP) was activated since 4.00 pm the previous day, and the ERP Team is diligently working to restore water supply services in stages, commencing from 8.00 pm today when production at Sungai Dua WTP is expected to fully recover. It’s essential to note that this unscheduled water supply interruption is caused by external factors originating in Kedah, specifically the recent floods in Baling.
PBAPP prioritizes public safety and, therefore, took the necessary steps to reduce treated water production earlier in the day. PBAPP emphasizes that it cannot and will not supply “unsafe treated water” in Penang. Nevertheless, PBAPP apologizes for any inconveniences caused and is making every effort to restore water supply. Regular updates on this situation will be provided through the official PBAPP Facebook page and mass media releases.
