THE state government, through the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), is planning to make Sungai Perai an additional raw water resource for Penang.
Penang Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said as of now, Sungai Perai is the most ideal and has the most potential compared to other rivers in Penang.
“This is based on the research conducted and the quality level at Sungai Perai, which is still considered at a moderate level.
“However, a water treatment plant needs to be built first and the river water quality needs to be improved before we can proceed with the plan,” Zairil (PH – Tanjong Bungah) said in a reply to a supplementary question by Goh Choon Aik (PH – Bukit Tambun) at the Penang Legislative Assembly today.
Goh had wanted to know which rivers in the state that can be tapped as an additional raw water resource for Penang.
Zairil added that as of now, the state, through PBAPP, is trying to optimise the raw water resource in Penang.
“This is important for us to ensure water supply security.
“In summary, PBAPP plans to complete two upgrading projects at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant, that can add at least 114 million litres per day (MLD) to the current production.
“We will also build two new water treatment plants near the Mengkuang Dam and Sungai Muda soon. It is all in our plan.
“And once we have done all of that, we will then start tapping Sungai Perai as an additional raw water resource for Penang,” he said.
On another question by Goh regarding the river water quality in Penang, Zairil replied that the overall water quality of all rivers in the state is at a moderate level.
“This is proven when there is no river that falls below Category Three.
“This is based on the data from the Department of Environment (DoE).
“This year, Sungai Junjung is the cleanest river in Penang with a Category One water quality.
“Meanwhile, water quality in Sungai Kerian is a Category Two.
“And the rivers that fall under Category Three are Sungai Juru, Sungai Pinang, Sungai Jawi, Sungai Keluang, Sungai Perai and Sungai Bayan Lepas.
“I would like to urge the public to be more civic-minded and protect our rivers,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar