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Showing posts with label PBAPP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PBAPP. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Water cut: Penangites urged to store up to two-and-half days supply as Penang braces for water supply interruption


GEORGE TOWN: Consumers in Penang affected by the scheduled water supply disruption starting this Friday are advised to store enough water for 24, 48, or 60 hours of use.

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said 40 percent or 136,683 of the 341,708 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Timur Laut District are expected to face a 24-hour supply disruption.

"The disruption is expected to last 48 hours for 163,502 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Selatan, except for Kampung Sungai Baong, Kampung Wellesley, Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Sungai Duri, and the Seberang Perai Prison Quarters Complex.

"A total of 41,523 users in all areas of the Barat Daya District, except for southern Balik Pulau neighbourhoods, Gertak Sanggul, Kampung Terang, Pulau Betong, and Sungai Ara, are expected to experience a 60-hour disruption until 10 pm on Sunday," he said.

PBAPP will deploy 80 water tankers and place 182 static tanks at strategic locations statewide as part of its relief plan during the disruption, he added.

Earlier, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said 341,708 consumer accounts in five districts in Penang will be affected by the scheduled water supply disruption from April 25 to 28.

This is due to the implementation of 23 projects costing RM25mil in total, aimed at improving supply services for around 465,000 consumers in areas served by the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.

Meanwhile, Pathmanathan said structural works for all these projects are scheduled to be completed by 4 pm on Saturday, with restoration to start after final testing and commissioning, and once the treatment plant resumes operations.

"Water supply will be restored in phases, as delivery times from the Sungai Dua treatment plant will differ by location.

"In general, consumers located upstream and closer to Sungai Dua will receive water earlier than downstream consumers," he explained. - Bernama

Penang braces for water supply interruption


Workers dismantling the temporary platform for the construction of the RM8.7mil Sungai Perai River-Crossing Pipeline (SP–RCP) in Mak Mandin, Butterworth. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

DRINKS seller Mariah Mohd Darus considered disposing of her two large water containers after using them during the major water interruption in December 2023.

Luckily, she didn’t because from this Friday, most of Penang will face another water cut.

“The containers were taking up a lot of space, but fortunately I kept them.

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Vijay (right) checking out the large buckets on sale at Yong’s shop in Kampung Benggali, Butterworth. He plans to store enough water to last for at least three days.Vijay (right) checking out the large buckets on sale at Yong’s shop in Kampung Benggali, Butterworth. He plans to store enough water to last for at least three days.

“They’ll come in handy again as each container can hold enough water to last a day,” she said when met at her stall in Ampang Jajar, at Butterworth, Penang.

Each container, with a capacity of over 100 litres, will help Mariah continue her cooking and washing activities at the stall without major disruption to her business.

    She recalled that during the previous water cut, the containers, which were filled in advance, helped her stay operational.

    “During the last interruption, I stored water in these bins for cooking and washing.

    Chow (second from right) checking the progress of work on the pipeline diverted across the Ampang Jajar bridge on the river surface of Sungai Perai in Butteworth. — Courtesy of Buletin MutiaraChow (second from right) checking the progress of work on the pipeline diverted across the Ampang Jajar bridge on the river surface of Sungai Perai in Butteworth. — Courtesy of Buletin Mutiara

    “When they ran low, I refilled them using water supplied through tankers, since the cut lasted several days,” she said.

    Businessman N. Vijay, was among residents spotted shopping for a large water container to prepare for the scheduled water supply interruption.

    “I am looking for something large enough to sustain the daily water needs of five people in my household.

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    “During the previous water cut, I did not store enough and water in my tank ran out. It was a struggle,” said Vijay from Taman Riang, Butterworth.

    I have learned from that experience. Now, I plan to store enough water to last at least three days, just in case the situation drags on.

    “Not having water previously disrupted our daily routine - from cooking to bathing. I want to avoid going through the same stress again,” he said.

    Back-up plans

    In Kampung Benggali, Butterworth, a plasticware seller identified only as Yong, has seen a steady stream of customers in recent days.

    He said most of them were looking for storage containers ahead of the scheduled water supply interruption.

    “During the last water cut, people were buying buckets in a panic.

    “Some came in at the last minute and grabbed whatever sizes were left.

    “I sold over 100 buckets of various sizes within just a few days,” he recalled.

    Yong believes that many of those customers are now better prepared and likely reusing the containers they had bought previously.

    “This time around, although the rush is not as intense, I still have customers coming in every day. People seem more prepared,” he said, adding that there was no panic-buying this time around.

    Yong said bucket prices were based on capacity, with a 45-litre container priced at RM21, and larger 215-litre drums going for as much as RM250.

    “People usually go for the mid-sized ones, big enough to store water for a family but small enough to carry or move around,” he said, adding that sales are expected to pick up as the date approaches.

    While many residents are

    busy filling up buckets and containers, others have opted to go on holiday.

    One of them is bank manager Loke Wei Lynn, who plans to travel to Hatyai, Thailand, with her husband and their five-year-old daughter.

    “The timing actually works out well since it falls on a weekend, so we thought, why not turn it into a short family getaway?”

    The family said they welcome the chance to unwind and spend time together.

    “It’s a good opportunity as Hatyai is nearby and easy to get to,” she added.

    Affected accounts

    Pathmanathan says this will be the only scheduled water disruption in Penang this year.Pathmanathan says this will be the only scheduled water disruption in Penang this year.A total of 341,708 consumer accounts across all five districts in Penang will be affected by the scheduled water supply interruption from 10pm on April 25 to 10am on April 28.

    Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will undertake 23 major waterwork projects at nine locations across the state during this period.

    The planned works include the final connection of the RM8.7mil Sungai Perai River-Crossing Pipeline (SP–RCP) in Mak Mandin, repair of a leaking 700mm pipeline and six pump house upgrading works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) as well as the replacement of a faulty 1.2m valve at a pipeline in Jalan Pengkalan Tambang.

    The waterworks projects, aimed for completion within a span of 24 to 60 hours, will involve 800 PBAPP staff and 200 additional personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, volunteers and local service centres.

    During this period, PBAPP will mobilise 80 mobile water tankers and 182 static water tanks at key locations.

    There will be 39 tankers and 95 tanks on the mainland, and 41 tankers and 87 tanks on the island.

    Priority will be given to 12 hospitals and 20 dialysis centres across the state.

    Infrastructure upgrades

    PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the SP-RCP pipeline, with a 1.35m diameter, had the potential to channel 290% more treated water across the river than the two existing 600mm pipelines mounted on the bridge across Sungai Perai in Ampang Jajar.

    “The two existing 600mm pipelines spanning Sungai Perai are mounted on the bridge.

    “This bridge is built to safely bear the load of regular vehicular traffic and not the additional load of water pipelines.

    “The SP-RCP is mounted on its own supporting structure, about 3.31m above the high water level of Sungai Perai,” he said, adding that Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had gone for a site inspection on Saturday.

    Pathmanathan said the works were part of a broader plan to upgrade water services for 465,000 consumers connected to the Sungai Dua WTP.

    “In 2024, PBAPP invested RM31mil to upgrade the maximum water treatment capacity of the Sungai Dua WTP to 1,342 million litres per day (MLD).

    “Now, PBAPP is investing an additional RM25mil into projects to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of supplying water from the Sungai Dua WTP.

    “The successful completion of these projects will allow PBAPP to pump more water at higher pressure to 66% of its customers in Penang.

    “These projects will also provide a more stable water supply and pressure, as well as facilitate faster water supply recovery from future scheduled and unscheduled water supply interruptions arising from mishaps in Penang,” he said.

    Pathmanathan said this would be the only planned water supply interruption by PBAPP in 2025.

    Scale of interruption

    According to PBAPP, the scale of water supply interruption will vary by location.

    A total of 43 areas in northeast district (DTL), two in southwest district (DBD), 54 in north Seberang Perai district (SPU) and 233 in central Seberang Perai district (SPT) will experience water supply interruption for 24 hours.

    Water supply for 27 areas in DBD and 221 areas in south Seberang Perai district (SPS) is expected to be restored within 48 hours.

    The remaining 16 areas in DBD and 13 areas in SPS will have their water supply restored fully within 60 hours.

    The duration of each area’s supply disruption will depend on its distance from the Sungai Dua WTP and its location within the water distribution network.

    Areas nearer to the plant will experience fewer days of water cut compared to those living in elevated or remote areas, particularly in SPS and DBD.

    Key industrial zones such as Bayan Lepas, Perai, Bukit Minyak, Batu Kawan and Penang International Airport are expected to have their water supply restored between 24 and 28 hours.

    PBAPP estimated that 40% (136,683 consumers) will have their supply restored within 24 hours, 88% (300,185 consumers) within 48 hours and all 341,708 consumers within 60 hours.

    For more information, see chart above, visit the PBAPP Facebook page or go to www.pba.com.my 

    Residents in Sri Bayu Apartment, Bayan Lepas, getting supply from a water tanker during a supply cut in January last year. — FilepicResidents in Sri Bayu Apartment, Bayan Lepas, getting supply from a water tanker during a supply cut in January last year. — Filepic

    Previous water woes

    On Dec 19, 2023, Penang was struck by an unscheduled water supply disruption, affecting about 200,000 consumers due to a burst underwater pipeline measuring 1.35m in diameter at the bottom of Sungai Perai.

    The leak sent water gushing on the surface of the river. Divers spent days fixing it.

    After three failed attempts to patch the leak until the end

    of January last year, it was decided that the pipe could not be repaired.

    A new 900mm pipe was constructed along the Ampang Jajar bridge to temporarily divert water across Sungai Perai.

    The mishap served as a catalyst for the SP-RCP project.

    From Jan 10 to 14 last year, about 590,000 consumers in Penang faced a water disruption due to urgent maintenance at the Sungai Dua WTP involving replacement of two leaking 1,200mm control valves.

    The shutdown also facilitated ancillary works at 22 other locations statewide.


    Thursday, June 6, 2024

    Time to Rethink Water Use; Six months of free water, rebates

     Penangites waking up to higher water bill reality

    From cheap to pinch: Penangites are unhappy about the new water tariff hike as they feel it is a burden. — KT GOH/The Star

    GEORGE TOWN: Having boasted the cheapest water in the country for almost 30 years, Penangites received a wake-up call when the new water tariff was announced.

    Now, many Penangites realise that they had taken cheap water for granted and they are feeling the pinch.

    Retiree Mariam Abdul, 59, said her household of six family members saw their two-month water bill shoot from about RM50 to RM150.

    Penang homes are billed for water once every two months since 25 years ago.

    “We never really thought about how much water we used because our water bills were always so low,” she said.

    The recent increase has prompted Mariam to become more mindful and encourage her family members to adopt better habits.

    According to the former teacher they have begun checking for leaks, installing water-saving devices and turning off taps while brushing teeth or washing dishes.

    “It has been a learning curve, but it is worth trying,” said the grandmother of four.

    This sentiment is echoed by another Penangite, Ronny Lim, 39, who described his latest water bill as a “wake-up call”.

    “We used to take things lightly, like using the water hose freely while washing our cars. Now, we start with a pail of soapy water before spraying the cars down,” he said.

    The factory technician even stopped his children from playing with water while taking long baths.

    “With the cost of almost everything going up now, I guess the price of water must go up too,” Lim said.

    For the first 20,000 litres, Penangites used to pay just 22 sen per 1,000 litres. As of February, that became 62 sen (up 182%).

    For 21,000 litres to 35,000 litres, it became RM1.17 per 1,000 litres (up 154% from 46 sen). Additional water consumption incurs much higher surcharges.

    Penang’s water rates had stayed the same for almost 30 years, causing tap water here to be the cheapest in the country for over a generation.

    Although water rates in all states were reviewed earlier this year, hundreds of Penangites had lodged official complaints and even the state assemblymen grumbled.

    One of them was Batu Lanchang assemblyman Ong Ah Teong from DAP, who said the increase has burdened the people from the lower-income group.

    “We are not opposed to the increase, but it should have been implemented gradually and incrementally, rather than a sudden 200% hike,” he said.

    Seberang Jaya assemblyman Izhar Shah Arif Shah from Bersatu said, “don’t expect people to accept a high increase. It should be done in stages, not abruptly.”

    Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said it was high time now for Penangites to use water wisely as it is a vital resource.

    He said that despite the increase, the Penang water tariff is still among the lowest in the country.“The increase will help raise funds for much-needed water infrastructure projects such as pipe replacements and the building of new water treatment plants to ensure our water security,” he said.

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    Six months of free water, rebates

    Easing the burden: The Penang government responds to criticism over new water tariffs by offering 10,000 litres of water free for six months, starting July. Households will save RM6.20 per bill, with larger families earning below RM5,000 receiving an additional RM20 rebate. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star

    GEORGE TOWN: After receiving widespread criticism for its new domestic water tariff rates introduced in February, the Penang government has decided to offer consumers the first 10,000 litres of water for free for the next six months starting July.

    Since Penang households are billed for water once every two months, this rebate will translate into savings of RM6.20 per bill for consumers.

    Larger households with income of below RM5,000 will receive a RM20 rebate under the Family Friendly Rebate scheme, said Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.

    “The exemption and rebate will be given from July to December.

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    “The state takes note of complaints regarding the new domestic water tariff rates following readjustment by the National Water Service Commission (SPAN) which has been in effect since February.

    “Although Penang still enjoys the second lowest tariff in the country with the new tariff rates, many had complained due to the drastic increase from the previous tariff which was adjusted after 31 years for the first band (20 cubic metres) and nine years for the other bands.

    “Therefore, the state has instructed the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to offer rebate for those residing in Penang,” he said in a statement yesterday.


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    According to Zairil, the rebates are provided to reduce the financial burden of the people.

    “Water would be free for the first 10,000 litres for each bill for the next six months from July to December.

    “The RM20 Family Friendly Rebate scheme for large households (eight people and above) would be expanded to those with an income of RM5,000 and below; an increase from RM2,250 previously,” he said.

    With the rebates, Zairil said all domestic water consumers would enjoy a rebate of RM6.20 for each bill.

    “For example, users in the first band only need to pay RM6.20 (RM12.40 minus RM6.20) for two months, while consumers in the second band, billed for RM30, only need to pay RM23.80 for two months’ consumption,” he added.

    There are around 660,000 PBAPP account holders in Penang.


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    Penang water consumers to get new rebate scheme in July