Post by : Shakul
Recent heavy rains have raised the water levels in Sungai Muda, providing much-needed relief to residents and water authorities in Penang. The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has verified that the water level is currently above two meters, adequate for meeting the state's current raw water supply needs. Officials stated that the area's rain distribution significantly helped stabilize levels after concerns surfaced last month.
During a recent visit to a pipeline project in Jelutong, PBAPP’s CEO Datuk K. Pathmanathan shared this positive update. He noted that the river level has been stable over the past three days thanks to consistent rainfall in various catchment areas. Water authorities are now carefully overseeing the river’s status to maintain its reliability as Penang's main raw water source in the upcoming weeks.
Last month, concerns escalated as Sungai Muda experienced a drastic dip in water levels, with the Lahar Tiang intake falling as low as 1.27 meters, which was deemed critical. This situation raised alarms over potential disruptions in water supply, especially during the hotter months when demand typically surges. It also prompted renewed discussions about long-term water security strategies for the area.
Pathmanathan suggested that the earlier decline in water levels may have been influenced by agricultural water releases upstream in Kedah. Since Sungai Muda flows through Kedah before reaching Penang, significant upstream water discharges can impact levels downstream. As such, authorities are closely collaborating to avert abrupt drops in water capacity.
While the current data appear reassuring, PBAPP has cautioned that rainfall is predicted to taper off gradually until September. They emphasize the necessity of prudent water resource management across the region. Officials remain vigilant about a potential dry season that could impose additional stresses on the river and water supply systems.
Officials are also monitoring water levels in several dams throughout Penang. The Air Itam Dam is currently at approximately 52.8 percent capacity, and the Teluk Bahang Dam is around 71.8 percent capacity. Although these figures are manageable, a gradual decline has been observed in recent weeks.
In a more favorable position, the Expanded Mengkuang Dam boasts a water storage level of about 90.2 percent capacity. This solid level supports Penang's water reserve planning. Nevertheless, officials remind that vigilance is essential, as changing weather can swiftly impact water availability.
In light of these developments, PBAPP plans to enhance the transfer of raw water from Sungai Muda to Penang Island. Currently, 420 million liters per day are supplied to consumers, with plans to increase this by an additional 20 million liters to bolster water availability and meet rising household and business demands.
This increased supply aims to support consumers through the drier months and mitigate shortages. PBAPP has described this initiative as a short-term strategy to ensure consistent and adequate water services for Penang residents. Additionally, authorities continue to encourage the public to practice responsible water usage amid unpredictable weather patterns throughout the year.
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