THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) held an engagement session with state elected representatives at the Jen Hotel this evening to provide a comprehensive briefing on the upcoming scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI), set to take place from April 25 to 28.
The session aimed to ensure that they are well-informed about PBAPP’s readiness and preparations to manage the temporary disruption.
Also in attendance were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari and PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan.
During the briefing, PBAPP head of customer service Dr Mohd Nizam Omar announced that PBAPP will activate a 24-hour call centre throughout the duration of the SWSI.
“The call centre will be operated by 25 trained agents from the PBAPP Customer Service Department. Additionally, backup agents will be deployed from nine customer care centres across Penang,” he said.
Members of the public can contact the 24-hour centre by calling 04-509 6509.
Dr Mohd Nizam added that the public can also reach PBAPP via various communication channels, including social media, the myPBA app, email, and dedicated WhatsApp groups managed by district offices.
On the SWSI communication strategy, Pathmanathan said PBAPP will issue regular updates across all social media platforms, in addition to utilising television, radio, and banners at key locations.
“Briefing sessions will also be conducted with key stakeholders such as industry players, hospitals, and schools to keep them informed,” he said.
He assured that PBAPP is committed to restoring water supply within 60 hours, with many consumers expected to see supply return within 24 to 48 hours.
“We urge consumers, particularly those in end-of-line (EoL) and higher ground areas, to store sufficient water a few days in advance of the SWSI,” he said.
Pathmanathan explained that the scheduled interruption will allow PBAPP to complete the critical pipeline crossing at Sungai Perai and, concurrently, carry out 23 waterworks projects across nine installations.
Earlier, Chow had announced that the water supply interruption will last up to 60 hours (2.5 days), urging residents to store enough water to tide over the period.
“The primary goal is to finalise the connection of the pipeline crossing Sungai Perai at Kampong Teluk and Ampang Jajar, replacing temporary pipes installed following bursts in December 2023 and January 2024,” said Chow.
Chow added that although the scheduled shutdown spans 60 hours, PBAPP is targeting an 88% water supply recovery — benefiting 309,185 of the 341,708 affected accounts — within 48 hours.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Alissala Thian