11 December 2023

Media Release
YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW
Chief Minister of Penang

JANUARY 2024 SCHEDULED WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION:
PBAPP TO TARGET “FASTER RECOVERY” OF WATER SUPPLY IN STAGES

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1. In response to public feedback, the Penang State
Government has directed Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd, or PBAPP, to plan and coordinate a faster recovery of water supply services following the January 2024 scheduled water supply interruption.

2. I have told PBAPP and PBAHB CEO Ir. Pathmanathan K. to do his best to reduce the inconveniences to the people and businesses in Penang.

3. The Penang State Government understands that the 1,200mm valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant are major water works that must be completed properly to reduce the risks of a major plant breakdown.

4. However, we still want PBAPP to minimise public inconvenience. In response, the PBAPP team is planning to gradually recover water supply services for the 590,000 affected consumers in stages, in a timeframe ranging from 48 hours to 96 hours.

5. The overall goal is to ensure that the majority, or more than 50%, of affected consumers get water supply within 72 hours. I have also asked PBAPP to recover water supply for the big non-domestic consumers in Batu Kawan, Bukit Minyak, Butterworth, Perai, George Town and the Bayan Lepas FTZ in the shortest possible timeframe.

6. I will leave it to Ir. Pathmanathan to announce PBAPP’s revised targets to recover water supply services for the majority of affected consumers in a scheduled PBAPP press conference on Wednesday, 13th December 2023, at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.

7. In the duration of the scheduled water supply interruption, PBAPP will deploy a fleet of 55 water tankers to transport water, according to fixed schedules, to affected consumers. PBAPP is still seeking the assistance of other state water operators to send more water tankers to Penang.

 
8. A total of 60 static water tanks will also be installed in targeted areas to help meet the water needs of consumers.

9. Since PBAPP is now planning to recover water supply in stages, the overall deployment plan of the water tankers in Penang will be re-configured on a day-by-day basis from 10th January 2024. As more and more areas receive water supply, PBAPP will “move” and re-deploy water tankers to areas without water supply.

10. The State Government has asked PBAPP to publicise its water tanker and static tank response plan later this month, after PBAPP announces its revised targets for water supply recovery in stages.

11. The people of Penang play a crucial role beyond being mere water consumers. It is our collective responsibility to actively participate in ensuring the seamless execution of water facility maintenance and recovery operations. Let us collaboratively engage in these efforts to contribute to the efficient functioning and restoration of our water infrastructure.

Thank You.