Woo (left) and Abidin chatting on the sidelines of the Penang State Assembly sitting. On the right is Kebun Bunga assemblyman Lee Boon Heng.
PENANG’S high water consumption is among the causes of low pressure problems in south Seberang Perai (SPS), says state exco Zairil Khir Johari.
The state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman said consumers use twice the amount per capita per day than the national average, thus impacting the system’s pressure during peak hours, which are from 6am to 10am and from 6pm to 11pm.
“The water usage in Penang is 307 litres per capita per day (LCD), almost double the national average target of 180LCD for 2025.
“This causes low water pressure and supply disruptions during peak hours, not just in Mukim 5 of SPS but also in other districts,” he said during the Penang State Assembly sitting at the State Legislative Assembly building in George Town.
The Tanjong Bungah assemblyman was replying to a question from Abidin Ismail (PN-Sungai Bakap) on the issue of low water pressure and water supply disruptions in Mukim 5.
Zairil said rampant usage of private pumps and illegal connections tapping into Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) pipes has aggravated the problem.
He said rapid development in Batu Kawan was not solely to be blamed, as PBAPP had received 2,844 planning permission applications between 2019 and 2023.
“The applications show that there is an increase in demand for water supply throughout the state,” said Zairil.
On a separate matter, the state assembly was told that a total of 40 cases of fallen trees had damaged buildings and vehicles this year.
Penang local government, town and country planning committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said 27 cases were reported by Penang Island City Council (MBPP), involving 22 vehicles and five buildings.
Another 13 cases were reported by Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP), involving 10 vehicles and three buildings.
“Nine cases of injuries due to being hit by trees were reported by MBPP from January 2023 to November this year. No such cases were reported by MBSP,” said H’ng.
The Jawi assemblyman, in responding to a question from Joshua Woo Sze Zeng (PH-Pulau Tikus) on the matter, stressed that Penang took the issue of fallen trees seriously.
“The state government, through both local authorities, has prepared an action plan to reduce the recurrence of such incidents,” said H’ng.
