GEORGE TOWN: Hatyai, Langkawi, Genting Highlands, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
The exodus to these places has started as Penang folk hit the road to escape the dry taps here.
Rather than sticking around in their homes and limiting their consumption, many left the state yesterday as the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) began its 96-hour arduous task of replacing the faulty valves at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.
Those who remain, by now, would have stored enough water supply for the whole family for at least four days.
When it comes to survival skills, Penangites are actually quite creative. Some have resorted to DIY (do-it-yourself) methods by filling plastic garbage bags with water while others used large plastic containers.
Some converted their children’s inflatable swimming pools to water storage vessels.
For waitress CT Cheah and her three friends, they decided to take a one-and-half-hour drive to Betong in Thailand to enjoy a short break during the water cut.
“We started our journey at 6am. I have not taken a break for some time actually. So, this a good time for me to rest and recharge my batteries.
“Actually, we planned to go to Hatyai, but I heard the place is packed with visitors, so we decided to go to Betong instead,” she said.
Retiree Wong BC, 67, said he would be heading over to Taiping for three days with friends and family to avoid the water cut.
“I live in Bukit Gelugor... there is no water. We did store some water for toilet use, but I’m not sure if our supply is enough for the five of us for four days.
“So, we decided to go for a short break away from Penang,” he said.
Wong said he drove all the way to Ayer Itam for breakfast as he knew the food stalls there would be open.
“We even packed for our lunch as well.
“I’m glad the PBAPP gave us ample reminders about the water cut. Now, we can plan ahead,” he said.
Meanwhile, life goes on for traders, hawkers and food operators in Ayer Itam where the water supply is not affected, thanks to the Ayer Itam dam.
“It’s like a weekend crowd. People come here to buy things or dine as they know the water supply is not affected,” said trader PK Yeap.
Wanton mee seller Ooi Suay Leik, 78, said business is great with more locals dining out.
“Many say they are from the affected areas and wanted to eat out.
“Today has been hectic and I have been working non-stop, which is unusual for a Wednesday,” he said
Hotels in Ayer Itam, too, have seen a huge influx of local guests.
G. Kugendran, who works at the front office of a hotel in Ayer Itam, said usually their peak season is during the Chinese New Year celebrations but the hotel is unusually packed now.
“We have bookings for 100 rooms today and more coming in the next few days as well.
“Most of them have booked their stay for three to four days.
“We have 195 rooms... 70% of the bookings are by Penangites,” he said.
In Butterworth, factory worker Mohd Aidil Mohd Radzi, 35, had to eat out during lunch break as water supply had been cut.
“Normally, I take lunch in my house but since there is no water supply today, I decided to eat with my friends here,” he said, adding that he would be buying food for his family too.
Food operator Harnani Mat Salleh, 43, said she used disposable cups and plates to minimise water usage.
“We only use water for cooking and washing. For the drinks that we sell, we boil the water first,” she said.
