GEORGE TOWN, March 31 – Ahead of the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, the Penang government has moved to allay concerns regarding water scarcity, assuring residents of a steady and sufficient water supply. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow reiterated that despite the decline in water levels at the Air Itam Dam, the state’s reservoirs, including the Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang Dams, along with the smaller dam in Bukit Panchor, are well-equipped to meet the demands of Penangites.
With the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) diligently monitoring water capacity at all key reservoirs and Sungai Muda, which contributes the lion’s share of raw water to the state, residents can rest assured that water availability for daily needs remains uninterrupted. Chow emphasized the critical role of the Mengkuang Dam, currently operating at over 90 percent capacity, in bolstering Penang’s water security, particularly during crises.
Proactive measures such as the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024) have been implemented to sustain effective water capacity by reducing extraction. Despite concerns raised by the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) regarding water levels in various dams, the Penang government remains vigilant and optimistic, banking on potential replenishment during the upcoming rainy season from April to June.
