PENANG anticipates receiving sufficient rainfall to replenish its three dams, even as most areas across the country grapple with prevailing hot and dry weather conditions, which are projected to gradually ease by mid-April.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow cited information from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, indicating that the transitional monsoon phase is set to commence today (March 29) and extend through May, signalling the conclusion of the northeast monsoon that commenced last November.
“Throughout this phase, the nation will experience gentle winds from different directions, giving rise to thunderstorms known for their characteristic heavy rainfall and strong winds within a brief timeframe.
“We remain hopeful that Penang will receive ample rainfall during this period to replenish the water levels in its three primary dams: Air Itam Dam, Teluk Bahang Dam, and Mengkuang Dam.
“Our ultimate aim is for this influx of rainfall to stabilise the effective capacity of all three dams, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the capacity of the critical Air Itam Dam,” Chow told reporters when asked about the water level at Air Itam Dam.
As of 5pm today, the effective capacities at Air Itam Dam, Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam are at 34.1%, 68.1% and 89.6% respectively.
Chow, who is also the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman, stressed PBAPP’s continuous monitoring of the water level at Air Itam Dam.
“While we acknowledge the critical level due to the prolonged hot weather, we have taken proactive measures.
“For instance, PBAPP implemented the Air Itam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024) since Feb 5 this year.
“This action plan has increased the dam’s effective capacity by 4.5%, rising from 32.8% on Feb 5, 2024, to 37.3% by March 17, 2024.
“We have also reduced the drawdown level from Air Itam Dam, leveraging water from Sungai Muda to supply most areas in Air Itam.
“However, our hope lies in Penang receiving adequate rainfall soon, especially with the onset of the inter-monsoon season,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis