GEORGE TOWN, December 30 – In response to the Sungai Perai Underwater Burst Pipeline Incident, Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) has submitted a preliminary post-mortem report to the Penang State Government, outlining the key findings and actions to be taken. The incident occurred on 18th December 2023, when a 1,350mm underwater pipeline burst, leading to a drop in water pumping pressure affecting 200,000 water consumers in Penang.
PBAPP took immediate action, supplying water as much as possible during the first 38 hours despite significant losses. Repair efforts took 55.5 hours, hampered by challenges such as working 3.5m underwater and facing faulty equipment and rough river conditions. Water supply services were restored to 99% of affected consumers after 71.5 hours, with the remaining 1% recovering in the subsequent 18 hours. The preliminary findings highlight that the burst pipeline, laid in 1996, is part of Penang’s crucial water infrastructure, channeling water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to Penang Island.
While the cause of the mishap remains unknown, PBAPP has been directed by the Penang State Government to monitor the repaired pipeline, implement a permanent solution, detect other underwater pipelines, inspect major pipelines regularly, replace outdated pipelines, and ensure the timely recovery of water supply services for affected consumers. The State Government expects PBAPP to expedite these measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure the well-being of Penang’s water consumers in 2024. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in PBAPP’s operations to meet public expectations.
