GEORGE TOWN: Reports that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is receptive to the implementation of the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme (SPRWTS) is good news for Penangites.
Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said the implementation of the SPRWTS should be regarded as good news for the people of Perak, especially residents of north Perak.
"The scheme optimises an existing raw water resource that is under-utilised.
"It is the most cost-effective solution that will have the lowest impact on future water tariffs.
"It is a long-term solution that may potentially address the raw water needs of Penang and Perak until 2050," he said in a statement on Wednesday (April 19).
He said PBAPP needs to tap a second (and alternative) raw water resource for Penang because the state has become “over-dependent” on Sungai Muda as its one and only primary raw water resource.
"Penang’s water consumption has increased by 62% in 23 years, from 536 MLD (megalitres per day) in 1999 to 868 MLD in 2022.
"If Penang’s water demand continues to escalate at this pace towards 2050, PBAPP may not be able to abstract sufficient raw water from Sungai Muda to meet Penang’s treated water demand beyond 2030.
"There is a high risk of a water crisis during prolonged dry seasons caused by climate change, including the current dry season that began in January 2023," he said.
Pathmanathan said about 80% of the raw water that is used by PBAPP to produce treated water for Penang daily is abstracted from Sungai Muda.
"Whenever there is a shortage of raw water from Sungai Muda during a prolonged dry season, there will inevitably be a state-wide water crisis in Penang.
"Then there is the vulnerability to mishaps and accidents involving Sungai Muda in Kedah such as the highly murky water phenomenon resulting from flash floods in Kedah that disrupted water supply services in Penang in July 2022.
"This is why PBAPP regards the SPRWTS to be the most rational water resource solution for Penang.
"It will reduce the state’s water risks significantly towards 2050," he said.
On April 15, it was reported that Anwar seemed receptive to the SPRWTS when visiting the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said if Penang has been sidelined by previous prime ministers in its development plans, he has faith that Anwar would ensure the state would not be sidelined again.
