GEORGE TOWN – Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has assured consumers that it would stick with its initial target to ensure a 40% water supply recovery by 10pm tonight, despite pipe connection works hitting a minor snag.
PBAPP’s chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said water supply for 40% of 341,708 consumers affected by the scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) that started yesterday night has been restored.
As of 4pm, 22 out of 23 water supply projects have been completed. The only project yet to be completed is the pipe connection works related to the Sg Perai river-crossing pipeline (SP-RCP), as the hole dug for the connection works was filled with water, and the contractors do not have enough pumps to remove it.
Therefore, the pipework was delayed, with final connection works’ progress at 49% as of 4pm.
“However, PBAPP has activated ‘Plan B’ to restore water supply based on Phase 1 of the water cut schedule (where) we will be pumping more treated water to the northeast district (on the island) using existing pipelines and the 3rd Penang Twin Submarine Pipeline (3rd PTSP),” said Pathmanathan.
“Despite the slight delay in final connection works for the SP-RCP, PBAPP will work towards adhering to the original schedule of the water supply recovery.”
Pathamanathan said that PBAPP is working to ensure all affected consumers get back their water supply on time.
The SWSI is part of efforts to enhance water pumping capacity and efficiency at the Sungai Dua WTP, a move that is set to benefit 465,000 consumers – roughly 66% of PBAPP’s total customer base of 705,528 in the state.
This follows the launch of the 114 million litres per day Package 12A at the Sungai Dua WTP, which will significantly increase treated water production. – April 26, 2025