GEORGE TOWN, March 19 – With Penang experiencing a surge in water consumption, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) urges consumers to immediately reduce water usage by 10%. The estimated water consumption on Sunday reached a high of 927 million litres per day (MLD), compared to the 2023 daily average of 877 MLD, causing supply issues in some areas.
The surge in consumption, particularly during the dry season, poses sustainability challenges, with the Sungai Muda river level below the “safe level” for water abstraction. PBAPP is striving to meet demand but urges prudent usage to avert widespread issues. Residents are advised to refrain from excessive water usage, with specific appeals to avoid water hoses for gardening and vehicle cleaning.
Efforts to mitigate water stress include the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024), which has increased the dam’s effective capacity. However, sustained high consumption jeopardizes these efforts. The PBAPP underscores the importance of collective water conservation to safeguard supply reliability until rainfall replenishes reservoirs.
