THE scheduled water disruption for most parts of Penang from Jan 10 to Jan 14 is poised to significantly impact businesses. Some are contemplating a complete halt in operations, while others plan to continue for two or three days before assessing the situation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow yesterday announced that the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) would rent 10 jumbo tanks, with each capable of holding 20,000 to 30,000 litres of water. These tanks will be deplored to areas expected to face water cuts, as part of the proactive measurers for the replacement of two leaking valves at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.
Datuk Lee Teong Li, chairman of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang, revealed that most members intend to shut down for the first two days and decide to resume operations based on the restoration of water supply.
“The majority of our members cannot store water for more than 48 hours and we do not want to take the risk.
“Our federation encompasses various industries, such as food, metal fabrication, E&E and chemicals, all of which require a lot of water for their processes.
“Our canteens will also have to close, because they may not be able to get supplies from some markets which may be closed.
“As chairman of FMM Penang, I am under a lot of pressure. Having to shut down businesses for a few days may cost some members millions. A number of our members, especially the SMEs, have posed me numerous questions. We are scheduled to have a meeting with PBA (PBAPP) tomorrow. During the meeting, I will convey my members’ concerns and gather their perspectives as well.
“We understand the necessity for PBA to undertake major repairs, but we hope they can explore alternative solutions, like diverting water from Mengkuang Dam,” Lee told Buletin Mutiara today.
Datuk Tony Goh, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Penang chapter chairman, expressed the frustration of hotels with the water disruption. However, he acknowledged the necessity of repair works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant and the priority given to residences by PBAPP.
“Some hotels are managing the situation by limiting their occupancy rates to an average of 40 per cent due to water consumption from hotel amenities such as toilets and F&B.
“To cope with the water disruption, hotels have also resorted to purchasing plastic domestic water tanks commonly used in households.
“Some hotels have made arranged for private water tankers. For instance, a hotel in Teluk Kumbar is paying between RM3,000 and RM4,000 per water tanker and requires 10 tankers. This is costly.
“While most hotels are taking these precautionary measures, hotels in Batu Ferringhi will not be affected by the water disruption.
“The state government should collaborate with private water tanker providers to set a standard price cap. Currently, there is a disparity in pricing, with some hotels paying more while others pay less. Sometimes, the water sources for these tankers come from Penang, Kedah, or even Perak,” Goh said.
Ben Chong Kok Eng, manager of Sparrow Car Care Centre at Jalan Arratoon, off Jalan Burma in George Town, shared that his car wash centre intends to remain open on Jan 10 and Jan 11, with normal operating hours from 9am to 7pm.
Having managed the centre since 2017, Chong has installed six large plastic water tanks, each capable of washing approximately 30 cars.
“We have filled in our water tanks, and our plan is to operate for the initial two days of the water cut. If the water supply is restored by the third day, we will resume normal business operations,” Chong said.
In contrast, both the CRC Restoran on Jalan Padang Victoria and the CRC Chinese Restaurant on Jalan Pangkor have opted to close on Jan 10, 11 and 12.
According to employees at each restaurant, the management has informed them of a three-day closure with the intention of resuming business on the fourth day on Jan 13, contingent upon the restoration of normal water supply.
Story by K.H. Ong and Norman Sim
Pix by Alissala Thian