THE Air Itam Dam, Bukit Dumbar Recreation Park in Jelutong, Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam in Bukit Mertajam, which are all under the supervision of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), will be reopened to visitors for recreational activities beginning tomorrow (July 10).
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the public could now look forward to carry out their daily exercises at these dams and park.
“The state executive council had yesterday (July 8) unanimously agreed to the reopening of dams and a park under PBAPP starting tomorrow.
“I believe many people will now have more places to conduct their recreational activities after the state has moved to phase two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
“The dams and park will open to the public from 7am to 7pm daily under strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), with physical distancing of between three and five metres, within 10km radius from the residence and banning of inter-district travel.
“Besides that, visitors to Air Itam Dam, Teluk Bahang Dam and Bukit Dumbar Recreation Park in Jelutong is limited to 200 people at any one time while Mengkuang Dam is limited to 350 people at any one time.
“Adherence to SOPs and physical distancing when carrying out recreational activities are important for public health and safety,” he told reporters after inspecting the Air Itam Dam today.
PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa, who was present, stressed that the dams and park under PBAPP are not only recreational places for visitors, but they are also security areas.
“I hope that the public can understand this as we need to get clearance from the authorities before allowing the people to visit. I know many people are keen on visiting these areas for their recreational activities because they are spacious,” he said.
On top of that, Jaseni said he was glad that the water levels at the three dams have shown improvement compared to previous readings.
“The water supply for this year is sufficient,” he added.
Also present was Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Nicholas Theng
Story by Edmund Lee