THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) had no choice but to shut down the Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP) on July 6 when the turbidity level of raw water from Sungai Muda was too high. The Sungai Muda raw water supply then was unsafe.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that it was not that PBAPP refused to operate the Sungai Dua WTP.
“It was not because PBAPP did not want to operate the Sungai Dua WTP back then, but because the plant could not operate due to the turbidity level of the raw water was too high,” he said.
It was reported that the Sungai Dua WTP was shut down from 8am to noon on July 6. The Sungai Muda raw water issue also caused water supply disruption in most parts of Penang for six days.
“PBAPP was also impacted by this incident which originated from the Baling flash flood in Kedah.
“Over 400 PBAPP personnel strived for six days to ensure that water consumers get their water as soon as possible. The mobilisation of machinery throughout the period also involved cost which impacted PBAPP,” Chow replied to a question by a reporter today.
The reporter had asked Chow about a political party’s proposal for domestic water users and those in the manufacturing sector affected by the recent water crisis in Penang to be given a rebate.
Chow said the Penang government took note of the proposal.
It was reported that on July 4, the Baling flash flood at Kampung Iboi in Kupang, Kedah, was said to flow through Sungai Kupang into Sungai Ketil (one of the tributaries of Sungai Muda). At 6am on July 6, the turbidity of raw water from Sungai Muda reached an abnormally high level of 3,000 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). The level was recorded as unsafe.
Chow added that PBAPP has given sufficient information about the recent water crisis in Penang through statements on its Facebook page.
“Perhaps, there is a weakness in terms of communication. The relevant information should have been delivered to the public earlier.
“I have urged PBAPP to conduct an immediate post-mortem on the recent water crisis in Penang and the corporation will be presenting it in the coming state executive council meeting,” he added.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis