THE government would consider giving grants or loans to Penang to support upgrading works on its main water valves at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant, Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said.

Fadillah, who is also energy transition and public utilities minister, said valve replacement works must be done to prevent further losses from non-revenue water.

“Many main pipes nationwide are damaged and when we upgrade the pumps for water supply, old pipes burst easily.

“This is among challenges faced by service providers not only in Penang but other states, too. That is why our focus is on reducing non-revenue water,” he said.

He said his ministry would continue to monitor and cooperate with state water service providers to ensure water supply systems were upgraded.

A total of 590,000 consumers in Penang were affected by a four-day scheduled water cut, which began 6am on Wednesday. – Bernama, January 13, 2024.