BY the year 2030, water usage for various purposes in Penang is expected to hit 1,530 million litres per day (MLD), almost doubling the current usage of over 800,000 MLD, says state Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari.
Last year, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) announced plans to invest RM1.185 billion in crucial water supply projects over the next five years.
The projects were said to include five original key components and three new components of PBAPP’s Water Contingency Plan 2030 (WCP 2030).
On top of these initiatives, Zairil (PH – Tanjong Bunga) said the Penang government was exploring other alternatives to meet the potential increase in demand for more water supply in the state, particularly for industrial and domestic purposes.
“For instance, we are exploring groundwater abstraction methods, widely used in several developed countries. If we adopt and implement this initiative successfully, we must ensure it is done effectively and safely without causing land subsidence.
“We are also looking at other options, including seawater desalination, coastal reservoir construction, and PBAPP’s partnership with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) to recycle wastewater for industrial use.
“A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked between the parties last year. It was reported that three wastewater treatment plants in Bayan Baru and George Town on the island and Mak Mandin on the mainland have been identified for in-depth study,” Zairil said in response to an oral question by Chee Yeeh Keen (PH – Bagan Jermal) during the State Legislative Assembly sitting at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Penang government is considering introducing a water reclamation initiative, similar to the method popularly used in Singapore.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN – Sungai Dua) questioned Zairil about the state’s initiatives to resolve the pollution issue at Sungai Perai and utilise it as a water source. In response, Zairil stated that Sungai Perai is included in the RM1.185 billion water supply projects. PBBAPP has already engaged a consultant to propose making Sungai Perai one of the major water sources in Penang.
“The brackish water at Sungai Perai, a mixture of fresh and salt water, poses significant challenges, with treatment costs being notably high.
“This issue can be resolved and we hope to expedite our efforts to make this a success for the benefit of the water consumers in Penang, including to complement the growing industries here,” Zairil said.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhammad