CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed his optimism that recent water issues have heightened public appreciation for water as a limited resource.
Emphasising the impact of water cuts on people from all backgrounds, he stressed the importance of the ongoing ‘save water campaign.’
“There has been a lack of attention to the call for water conservation. We trust that the recent water situation has heightened awareness about the critical importance of valuing our water resources,” he said when he visited the Juru Voluntary Fire Brigade Association team today.
Chow urged a shift from ‘supply-driven management’ to ‘demand management,’ highlighting the need for prudent water use, especially given Penang’s high average water consumption.
“In Penang, the per-person water consumption stands at 300 litres, surpassing the national average of 200 litres per day.
“Hence, there is a pressing need for effective demand management. Achieving the national average would be a significant step in the right direction,” Chow added.
He explained: “For instance, a water conservation of 20 to 25% could expand our water supply to additional areas, notably the south Seberang Perai district.”
“Simultaneously, we remain committed to advancing new infrastructures as an integral part of our water contingency plan,” Chow said.
He called for collective efforts to achieve water security, acknowledging challenges in water management.
Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung expressed appreciation and gratitude to the PBAPP for efficiently completing essential maintenance work ahead of schedule.
He also expressed hope that the ‘end of the line’ (EoL) areas in the Bukit Tengah neighbourhood would have their water supply fully restored by tomorrow (Jan 12).
Updates on water recovery progress in different districts were provided, emphasising repair works and expressing gratitude to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
The Juru Voluntary Fire Brigade Association vice-chairman and captain Chew Seng Kok said that following their assistance to residents in Bukit Tengah, the team is now ready to extend support to those in Paya Terubong regarding their water supply.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis
Video by Siew Chia En