WATER supply for some 590,000 (over 80%) of Penang’s population will be cut from 6am tomorrow for four days for repairs at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP). 

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) expects water supply to resume in 101 Seberang Perai Utara and Seberang Perai Tengah areas after 48 hours, while most other areas are to see restored supply after 72 hours.

PBAPP said it would send 99 water tankers and install 97 static tanks around the state during the disruption.

PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said the firm would supply about 1.85 million litres of treated water during the cut.

State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said repairs at the Sungai Dua WTP involve the replacement of two 1,200mm valves in the main treated water pipeline, which had sprung a leak.

“It involves large-scale maintenance work as well as side projects in 22 other areas, especially damaged and leaking valves that have not been replaced for 50 years.

“The repairs will take a day, after which we will gradually restore water supply, which will return to normal between 48 to 96 hours,” he said.

Zairil said not all areas would experience a water cut, such as some locations in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, which are supplied by the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang WTPs. – Bernama, January 9, 2024.