PENANG will receive a water supply from the Perak government through the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP), benefitting residents of both Penang and Perak.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the development of KIGIP, which will be powered by solar energy, necessitates a substantial water supply.
“The development of KIGIP requires a large quantity of water.
“Therefore, it will involve constructing a water pipeline from Bukit Merah to Kerian to meet KIGIP’s water demand. From there, the pipeline will be extended to Seberang Perai, which is good news for the people of Penang.
“This will help solve the water supply issues, especially in south Seberang Perai,” Anwar said during the launching ceremony of the KIGIP project at Dewan Datuk Zainal Abidin in Bagan Serai, Perak, today.
Anwar added that the overall water project, estimated to cost RM4 billion, will also help address water issues for residents in Perak.
“The water project will be a priority as it will meet the water demand for residents in north Perak and south Seberang Perai. With the completion of the water pipeline, there will be a long-term solution for water issues in both Penang and Perak,” he added.
Anwar also highlighted Penang’s over 40 years of experience in the industrial sector, particularly in semiconductors, noting that Penang ventured into this area earlier than other states.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was also present at the ceremony.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, shared that the water source would be taken from Sungai Perak and channelled to Bukit Merah.
Fadillah will oversee the completion of four main infrastructure components: energy, water, roads, and telecommunications.
“As agreed, the water supply will be sourced from Sungai Perak, treated at Bukit Merah, and then distributed to Penang,” Fadillah added.
Others present included Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis