PENANG plans to build a reservoir in the district to overcome the low water pressure in the biggest enclave of the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will negotiate prices with the landowner behind the Balik Pulau market, and the project will commence once an agreement is reached between both the state and the landowner.
“About half the consumers in Balik Pulau rely on the Bukit Nanas water supply facility, which is 30 kilometres away. However, once the project is completed, it is expected to resolve the water supply problem caused by low water pressure in the area.”
Chow said this while attending a dinner to mark a religious ceremony at the Kwong Fook Fuk Tak Temple in Balik Pulau.
Chow, who is also a resident of Balik Pulau, said that the dry season has arrived in Penang, with humidity also at high levels in parts of the state.
Peat fires have also begun sparking in bush areas here.
According to a report from the PBAPP, the water level at its water intake stations is currently 2.31 meters, which remains at a healthy level.
“The water level warning is divided into three levels: the first warning is issued when the water level is 2 meters, the second warning is issued when the water level is 1.8 meters, and the critical level is issued when the water level is below 1.5 meters.”
The current water storage capacities are 73.4% for the Ayer Hitam Dam, 86.0% for the Teluk Bahang Dam, and 91.4% for the Mengkuang Dam, all of which are in a safe position.
Although the water levels at the intake and dam are at good levels, he urged the public to use water prudently, work together to get through the dry season, which will last for several months, and ensure water sustainability.
Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) board chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa has urged the authorities to reform the water supply system and policies due to the advent of climate change and growing demand for the precious commodity.
Regarding the earlier landslide on Tun Sardon Road, Chow revealed that the authorities are awaiting funding from the Public Works Department.
Once the funds are disbursed, remedial work will commence immediately to fully restore local traffic movement, said Chow.
Chow also revealed that tourist arrivals have surpassed pre -pandemic levels, especially after the opening of more direct flights from China to Penang, which has increased passenger traffic at Penang International Airport by more than 10 per cent, indicating a bright future for the state's tourism.
He said that Balik Pulau has abundant ecotourism resources.
In addition to the fishing industry, the durian harvest, beautiful rice paddies, cycling trails and mangrove ecosystems attract health-loving and nature-loving travellers.
“Many people want to rediscover a simple pace of life, and Balik Pulau has an advantage in this regard. I hope that by assisting in the development of tourism and strengthening local infrastructure, it will become a livable area, benefiting the residents and local economy," Chow added. – March 23, 2026
