NIBONG TEBAL, June 17 — The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has announced that water supply issues faced by consumers in Sungai Bakap and Seberang Perai Selatan have been largely resolved with the completion of a new RM18.6 million water treatment plant in Bukit Panchor. PBAPP CEO K Pathmanathan stated that the 10 million litres a day (MLD) plant, which began operations in December, has significantly reduced complaints from 1,500 households and commercial consumers who previously experienced intermittent water disruptions.
Pathmanathan explained that the new plant was necessary due to the strain on the previous water supply from Butterworth, which was 50km away. The Bukit Panchor dissolved air flotation (DAF) plant, developed in collaboration with the state government and PBAPP, has alleviated this strain. While some high-ground and end-of-line areas still face issues, efforts are ongoing to resolve them.
To further enhance supply, a compact water plant costing RM4 million is being built along Penang’s side of Sungai Kerian, adding 2.4 MLD to the supply. Additionally, a RM31 million upgrade to the Butterworth water plant is nearing completion, and a larger RM171 million Sungai Kerian water treatment plant is set to boost supply by 2028.
