The Bayan Baru food court where 80% of stalls are closed due to the water cut. — Photos: KT GOH, CHAN BOON KAI, LIM BENG TATT and ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
With many factories closed in Bayan Lepas, stall operators decide to close shop during four-day scheduled water cut
THE first day of the statewide water supply disruption went without any major hitches in Penang.
Taps turned dry as early as 5am during the 96-hour scheduled water cut that started on Wednesday.
Penangites had to start using water they had stored earlier in pails, tanks and plastic bags.
Muhammad Aidil Hafez Abdullah, 23, getting water supply from a tanker parked at Mutiara Perdana Apartment in Bayan Lepas.
While some food stalls were open, others decided it was best to “close shop” until water supply resumes.
The Bayan Baru food court in Bayan Lepas, which is usually packed with customers as early as 8am for breakfast, was practically deserted with 80% of stalls closed and no customers in sight.
Association chairman Roy Ang said 80% of the 140 stalls at the food court were closed and he expected more to do so on the second day of the water cut.
A laundry shop in Teluk Kumbar operating as usual during the water cut.
“I think with factories not operating, it is understandable that hawkers do not want to open either as most of their customers are from there.
“I expect more to close and only reopen when water supply resumes,” he said.
Mohd Dinie Rizqi Mohd Nazrul collecting water from a tank at Kurau Road Flat.
Ang said there was water supply at the food court as Penang Island City Council (MBPP) had placed a water tank for washing purposes.
A hawker at the Bayan Baru food court who declined to be named said although he decided to stay open, his stall would be closed for the rest of the week.
“With the water cut and all the other stalls being closed, it does not seem like a good idea to remain open.
Residents of Taman Sahabat carrying water from the ground floor to their flats on the fourth floor in Teluk Kumbar.
“My family has advised me to take a break and go on a holiday.
“They said the water cut was scheduled for four days, but what if it lasted longer?
Penangites going about their day in Ayer Itam, which is among the few places not affected by the scheduled water cut.
“I will take this opportunity to take a break from work,” said the economy rice seller.
Penangites have also been stocking up on mineral water for drinking, with supermarkets bringing in more supply.
Sunshine Wholesale Mart Sdn Bhd marketing and communications manager Bryan Wong said they brought in 40% more mineral water bottles to meet demand.
Fried bee hoon stall owner Lee Tong Teik washing his cooking tools at Jelutong market.
“The surge in buying started early this month.
“Most of the customers bought water last week to prepare for the cut.
“We knew those affected will want to buy drinking water.”
Residents placing stored water buckets in corridors at Taman Sahabat, Teluk Kumbar.
Almost 600,000 consumers statewide are affected by the scheduled water cut until Jan 14.
The supply disruption is meant to allow for valve replacement work at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant and repairs at several locations along the main pipeline.
However, repair works were ahead of schedule and consumers at some places reported that supply was restored the following day, albeit with low pressure.
