STATE assemblymen and parliamentarians have undertaken initiatives to assist residents during the upcoming scheduled water interruption from Jan 10 to Jan 14.
The water cut is set to be implemented by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) due to a major maintenance work at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.
When contacted by Buletin Mutiara, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng shared that his team has prepared a total of 25 water tanks, each with a capacity of 1,890 litres, provided by Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying.
“YB Lim has contributed a total of 40 water tanks to the Tanjong parliamentary constituency, of which we have taken 25.
“These tanks are strategically placed near high-rise buildings and cluster houses at locations such as the Clan Jetties, Lebuhraya Merdeka, Pintasan Cecil, Gat Lebuh Maccalum, the stretch of road from Jalan Magazine to Lebuh Sandilands.
“Some people are unaware of the impending water cut, assuming that George Town is unaffected. We need to raise awareness of this,” Wong said.
Wong highlighted that Pengkalan Kota has the highest population density in Malaysia.
“The Persatuan Bomba Sukarela Sri Tanjung is ready to assist the community in water distribution. Residents should also store water and these additional tanks will be helpful for them,” Wong said.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin stated that his team organised a Zoom meeting with all joint management bodies (JMBs) in the Bayan Baru parliamentary constituency to brief them on the preparations for the water cut.
The briefing session was conducted by the PBAPP.
“We worked with the PBAPP to station permanent water tankers at five different locations in Bayan Baru, covering Batu Maung, Batu Uban, and Pantai Jerjak constituencies.
“To check the locations, residents can visit our official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SimTzeTzin.MP ).
“Apart from that, we also prepared 30 water tanks (500 gallons each) to be placed at 30 strategic locations which will be announced later.
“Water trucks will later refill these tanks,” Sim told Buletin Mutiara during a press conference at the Bayan Baru Market recently.
Sim added that his team had purchased pails to distribute to senior citizens and the disabled residing in high-rise buildings for water storage.
“We have also printed 50,000 leaflets for residents to inform them about the water cut.
“I urge everyone to begin storing water, including drinking water, immediately.
“Joint Management Bodies (JMBs) and Management Corporation (MCs) should check their water tanks to see they function well without any leaks.
“If there is a need to instal extra water tanks, do it now. Please identify the elderly and the disabled and help to store water for them,” Sim added.
On the mainland, Padang Lalang assemblyman Daniel Gooi said 1,800-litre water tanks would be installed at the local wet markets.
“These tanks provide emergency water supply and we are collaborating with the Volunteer Fire Brigade to ensure necessary assistance reaches the affected folk.
“We have also coordinated with the relevant agencies for the distribution of water supply to hospitals and clinics in case of any needs,” he said.
Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen told Buletin Mutiara that preparations for the water cut are underway.
“We have prepared 30 water tanks, each with a capacity of 1,000 lites, a 50,000-litre large water tanker, and two small tanks.
“A large water tank will be placed near the Mak Mandin Mosque, and 22 water tanks will be placed at selected locations.
“The public is welcome to get their water supply from these points,” he added.
Sungai Acheh assemblyman Rashidi Zinol urged his constituents to ensure the water tanks in high-rise buildings are filled before Jan 10.
“We will discuss with the PBAPP to arrange a mobile tank to assist those affected residents,” he said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter & Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis & Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar