GEORGE TOWN, January 1 — Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has announced the extension of its Air Itam Dam Action Plan (AIDAP) into 2025 to prevent water shortages in the Air Itam, Farlim, and surrounding areas. The plan includes capping drawdowns from the Air Itam Dam to 22 million litres per day (MLD), pumping up to 33 MLD of treated water from Seberang Perai’s Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant, and optimising treated water production at the Air Itam Water Treatment Plant using additional water sources.
PBAPP CEO, Dato’ Ir. Pathmanathan K., highlighted that despite rainfall replenishing 76.7% of the dam’s capacity by year-end, its reserves could deplete rapidly without further action. The Teluk Bahang Dam, while larger at 18,240 million litres effective capacity, faces similar challenges with a 61.7% fill rate. PBAPP urges Penangites to conserve water, emphasizing that per capita water consumption in Penang (284 litres/day) significantly exceeds Malaysia’s national average of 237 litres/day and Singapore’s 141 litres/day. Efficient water use is critical to averting a water crisis during the dry season.
