In a bid to address a significant water supply challenge, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has announced a scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) for the south-west district of Penang island. PBAPP Chairman, Chow Kon Yeow, shared that the disruption, initially slated for 11.30pm tonight, has been rescheduled to start at the same time tomorrow night, following public feedback requesting additional time for water storage.
The SWSI, set to affect approximately 120,000 consumers, is necessitated by a leak detected in the 1,350mm underwater pipeline at the riverbed of Sungai Perai. The disruption will facilitate PBAPP’s implementation of Plan B – pipeline diversion works at Sungai Perai.
Chow Kon Yeow highlighted during a press conference that the Genting Reservoir in Balik Pulau has been refilled, with water supply restored for the last affected area in Balik Pulau. The diversion plan involves the installation of two 600mm pipes to redirect water from the underwater pipeline, a process expected to take around 16 hours.
“The diversion work is expected to complete at 2 pm on Wednesday, and it will take between 24 and 48 hours for water supply to resume,” said Chow to one of Malaysia local news portal. He added that water supply will initially resume from the southern side of Bukit Dunbar before reaching the southern part of the island.
Acknowledging potential water pressure concerns due to the smaller capacity of the 600mm pipes, PBAPP remains optimistic about the success of the diversion and its long-term implications.
Plans for a more permanent project involving the replacement of the 1,350mm underwater pipeline at Sungai Perai with a pipeline above the river have been disclosed. However, this extensive project is expected to take between six to eight months before implementation.
Last Tuesday’s leak in the underwater pipeline led to an abrupt water supply disruption, prompting PBAPP’s swift implementation of Plan A for re-clamping, followed by the introduction of Plan B to address the persistent issue.
The impending SWSI aimed to facilitate immediate remediation efforts, ensuring the continued water supply to affected areas while laying the groundwork for a more sustainable solution in the months to come.
