THE Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP) is operating normally as the turbidity of its raw water from Sungai Muda is under control, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said although the turbidity level has risen to over 300 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units), it is still below the normal turbidity level of 1,000 NTU.
NTU is used to measure the presence of suspended particles or matter in water.
There were concerns of another water disruption in Penang after the media carried their second report of Baling floods yesterday.
“According to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), the operation at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant is normal and we are producing about 1,000 million litres per day (MLD) of water.
“If there is any disruption, PBAPP will make the proper announcement.
“Up until now, there is no necessity to suspend or shut down the operation at Sungai Dua water treatment plant (WTP).
“Water from the Mengkuang Dam is also released to ensure the turbidity level at the Sungai Dua WTP is under control,” Chow said in response to a question by a reporter for an update on the water situation.
PBAPP, in a press release, stated that the Sungai Dua water treatment plant is still able to treat raw water from Sungai Muda.
“However, PBAPP is now operating on high alert and monitoring the river water NTU level. PBAPP is also preparing to initiate water supply emergency response/contingency measures at the Sungai Dua WTP,” its statement read.
On the Cabinet’s recent decision to implement water supply tariff adjustments for non-domestic categories and special categories in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan from Aug 1, 2022, Chow said the state would wait for the necessary action at the federal level before taking appropriate action.
In a statement by the Ministry of Environment and Water (MEWA), the Cabinet also agreed there will be no new water tariff for the domestic category or residential premises, following the increase in the cost of living currently faced by the people.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting