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UPDATE:
Now PBA now says water supply disruption is 72 hrs, instead of 96 hrs
MALAYSIA
Penang water supply to resume in 72 hours after Jan 10 repairs
State to face longest cut in recent history as utility company seeks to prevent major disruption.
Updated 13 hours ago · Published on 13 Dec 2023 4:13PM
The Penang Water Supply Corporation says factories must make early preparations to face the January 10-14 water cut as early notice has been given. – The Vibes file pic, December 13, 2023.
BY Ian McIntyre
MOST of Penang’s estimated 600,000 water consumers would have their supply restored within 72 hours after a major water cut on January 10 for scheduled maintenance, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said.
It said the cut would affect 80% of users in the state.
Despite a directive from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to hasten the repair, the PBAPP said it needed 72 hours to fully restore supply.
The water cut is expected to last from January 10 to 14 – the longest one in the state’s recent history.
PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan told the media at the corporation’s main treatment plant in Sungai Dua that supply to 197,025 consumers might be restored within 48 hours.
The rest should have water again within 72 hours from January 10, he said.
Having received complaints from the manufacturing and commercial sectors, Pathmanathan said PBAPP has provided early notice to facilitate preparation.
“We are requesting water tankers from the National Water Services Commission to send water to affected consumers during the period,” he said.
He said the factories could start collecting water in their 48-hour storage facilities from now to tide them over the disruption.
He said PBAPP would incur a loss of RM10 million during the water cut, but added the repair must be done soon as the valve might burst otherwise.
“We understand consumers do not want any disruption and we would prefer to avoid public criticisms and complaints, but this is a necessary undertaking,” he said.
He said tankers would also be deployed to strategic areas such as medical treatment centres and schools, while at high-rise residences, volunteers would send water to elderly occupants’ homes.
Economic hubs affected
PBAPP said its engineers would work around the clock to repair the 1,200mm valve and upgrade pipes in 22 locations during the water cut to ensure optimal supply.
Unfortunately, the state’s main economic hubs – George Town, Bayan Baru and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, including the Penang International Airport – would only regain water supply on the third day after stoppage.
“We are confident supply would be at 99% by the fourth day,” Pathmanathan said, adding that the resumption of water supply to upstream areas at higher elevations might be delayed as well.
He said though the repairs would take 24 hours, major pump houses could only be restarted once reservoirs were full.
The treated water from Sungai Dua must travel 62km to reach 600,000 consumers.
Chow earlier said the state had no choice but to undertake the task to avoid major future disruptions.
Lawyer S. Raveentharan urged PBAPP to ensure there would be no major disruption after January 10, and for the state to find new ways to harvest water during the monsoon season.
“If we are constantly facing flooding, we should learn to channel excess water into holding facilities where we can store it for events such as major water cuts,” he said. – The Vibes, December 13, 2023.
Dry taps for Penangites from Jan 10 to 14
KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8, 2023: Penang sets history record of sorts - 96-hour or 4-day water supply cut!
Penangites have been warned by their Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow to be prepared for four days of dry taps - from Jan 10 to 14.
You have been warned, so prepare to store enough water for cooking and bathing.
No News Is Bad News reproduces below news report on the severe water cut:
UPDATE:
No one consulted us over water cuts, Penang industries claim
Manufacturers up in arms over lack of consultation ahead of water supply disruptions in January.
Predeep Nambiar - 10 Dec 2023, 7:30am
Factories in Penang may have to go without water for as long as 96 hours next month, as the state plans to cut supply to allow for major repairs. (Facebook pic)
GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s industries are unhappy with the state government’s decision to cut water supply for as long as four days next month to undertake major repairs.
Several industry leaders and interest groups who spoke to FMT said the decision came as a surprise as none had been consulted.
“We first heard about the water cuts informally,” said one, who did not want to be named. “We then proposed that these cuts be held during the Christmas and year-end holidays, when most factories were shut down anyway.
“A few days later, we read in the media that the water cuts would take place in January. We were shocked. That is a busy period for any factory.”
The 96-hour water cuts will hit important industrial belts in Penang on the island and in Seberang Perai from Jan 10. The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBA) said the repairs being conducted were urgently needed to prevent sudden water interruptions in future.
“It is not that we are against maintenance, but we feel four days is just too much. We would prefer a two-day turnaround,” the industry leader said.
“We were then told informally by a PBA officer that the domestic users, made up of slightly over 500,000 accounts, are more important than industries. We then replied that the 90,000-odd industry accounts pay the salaries of these domestic users. Both are equally important.”
Another leader said while all factories are supposed to have two days of reserve water supply at all times to be prepared for cuts like these, not all had the luxury: “There are many limitations in terms of space and cost.”
Separately, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers’ Penang branch chairman Lee Teong Li said the cuts were “an unprecedented challenge”.
He said the interruptions will lead to significant losses for Penang’s factories.
“We understand the complexities involved in infrastructure maintenance but believe that a balance can be struck between the essential upgrades and the economic well-being of the businesses and workforce in Penang,” he said in a statement.
While PBA has yet to respond to FMT’s queries for comment, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the repairs are unavoidable and that the one month notice given to all affected businesses was sufficient
“Factories must plan to be resilient in case of disruptions,” he said after an official event yesterday. “Hopefully, they will work according to the schedule and plan their production to cut down the impacts (of the cuts),” he said.
“Of course, we can take a more popular approach by postponing this. But it would be irresponsible. The repairs are very important and would affect 85% of the state.”
The state government said the water supply could be restored in two days but may take longer in hilly areas or for high-rise buildings.
UPDATE:
Penang water cuts likely to last just 2 days, says state govt
State exco Zairil Khir Johari says most consumers will see their water supply restored in 48 hours, especially those near water treatment plants.
Predeep Nambiar - 08 Dec 2023, 12:07pm
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has alerted households to state-wide 96-hour water disruptions next month.
GEORGE TOWN: Penangites are likely to experience a two-day water disruption at most during the state’s major four-day water cut next month, according to a state official.
State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) gave a 96-hour notice about the water interruption just in case some places might not get their water supply restored on time.
“Most will get their water supply back in 48 hours, especially those near water treatment plants. Supply to end-of-line areas or those in higher ground will follow soon after,” he told reporters in Komtar.
Zairil said about 590,000 water consumers on the island and Seberang Perai will be affected, or 80% of the state.
He advised those living in high rises to conserve water and also urged car wash and laundromat operators not to open their outlets during the four-day interruption.
According to Zairil, two major valves at a water treatment plant in Butterworth needed an urgent fix to avoid potential interruptions. These are control valves measuring 1.2m in diameter and are presently leaking.
He said other major fixes were being carried out in 22 other locations in the state too.
“If we delay repairs further, the valves might fail and make things worse,” he added.
Zairil said the urgent repairs to pipes that are over 50-years old would help plug leaks and reduce non-revenue water (NRW) or unaccounted-for water.
Presently, Penang’s NRW numbers are at 28.6%.
In March, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) said the national NRW average stood at 37.2%, resulting in a waste of 7.084 million litres of treated water daily with a total loss of around RM2 billion a year. - FMT
Penangites told to brace for 96-hour water cut from Jan 10
By N. TRISHA
Thursday, 07 Dec 2023
3:56 PM MYT
GEORGE TOWN: Penangites have been cautioned that there will be a 96-hour water supply disruption in the state from Jan 10 to 14.
Many areas will have no water supply while some will have low water pressure, according to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).
In a statement, PBAPP said it will be carrying out valve replacement works at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant and related repairs at several other locations along the main pipeline.
"We urge consumers to make preparations by storing enough water to face this supply disruption.
"This is to minimise inconvenience during the disruption.
"We will make notifications about assistance and other support from time to time," it said on Facebook on Wednesday (Dec 6), with an accompanying graphic showing the areas involved.
The graphic marks areas without water supply in pink for both the island and mainland, while areas highlighted in yellow are expected to have low pressure.
PBAPP serves 676,857 consumers in Penang, and nearly 70% of them depend on treated water from the Sungai Dua treatment plant.
For further details, contact the PBAPP's 24-hour call centre at 04-2558255.
A dry new year for Penang
By N. TRISHANATION
Friday, 08 Dec 2023
GEORGE TOWN: Thousands of Penangites will have to suffer a dry start to the new year.
There will be no water supply in much of the state – both on the island and mainland – for four days in January, while many other areas will have low water pressure.
There will be a 96-hour water supply disruption from Jan 10 to 14 due to valve replacement work at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant and other repair works at several locations along the main pipeline.
“We urge consumers to prepare in advance by storing enough water to face this disruption,” said Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) in a statement.“We will provide notifications about assistance and other support during the water supply interruption,” it said in a statement which also included maps of the affected areas.
It also said a press conference would be held today to furnish further details.
Consumers were left shocked by the announcement of a four-day water cut.
Food shop operator Shaiful Isa, 41, who runs a popular eatery in Campbell Street said it would be difficult to do business with no water for four days.
“There have been times when we did not have water, but we managed because it was for a short period. This is ridiculous. We can manage for two days, but four are just too many,” he said, adding that his outlet was open all day.Closing shop would mean heavy losses, as he sees a good crowd especially at night.
Lam Ha Lin, 40, who runs a noodle stall, also said it would be a disaster if the cut lasted four days.
“I need water to make soup and clean up. Closing my stall would mean heavy losses. A day or so is manageable. I cannot imagine how many containers I will need. I am sure people will also be rushing to the supermarket to stock up,” he said.
PBAPP serves 676,857 consumers in Penang and nearly 70% of them depend on treated water from the Sungai Dua water treatment plant. The state has dealt with several water issues in the recent years, especially due to problems in Sungai Muda.
To overcome the problems Penang recently reached an understanding with Perak to buy treated water.
For details on the water disruptions, contact the PBAPP’s 24-hour call centre at 04-255 8255. - The Star
Penangites told to brace for 96-hour water cut from Jan 10
By N. TRISHA
Thursday, 07 Dec 2023
3:56 PM MYT
GEORGE TOWN: The decision by the Perak government to sell treated water to Penang is a major milestone in a 14-year journey, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Penang Chief Minister said efforts to secure an alternative water source for the state began in 2009.
"For so long, we have relied on a single source, Sungai Muda in Kedah.
"The Perak-Penang water project has been a priority because water is essential ... for all economic activities and life as well," he told reporters after the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) luncheon and installation ceremony of its northern region committee 2023-26 here on Tuesday (Nov 14).
Chow said that this was only the first step of the deal and details have to be worked out comprehensively between the two states.
On the time frame for the deal, Chow said it is expected to take from six to 10 years, but could be implemented in phases.
On Saturday (Nov 11), Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad confirmed that the state government had agreed to sell treated water to Penang following an agreement between the state secretaries.
The matter was agreed upon before initiating the application process for an allocation from the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry to construct a water treatment plant in Kerian, Perak.
He had said the plant is expected to address irrigation challenges in Kerian and facilitate water supply for a new high-tech industrial area planned for development on a 400ha site within the district.
On Nov 2, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said he was informed that both states had indicated their readiness to discuss the water deal. - The Star
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