Booming tourism industry braces for Penang’s mass water cut in January

THE high-flying tourism industry in Penang is expected to hit a slight damper next month after the state announced that some 80% of households will be subjected to a mass water cut of up to 96 hours from January 10 till 14.

Datuk Tony Goh, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotel's (MAH) Penang chapter, said that tourists may be put off from visiting the state during the stipulated period, and that popular hawkers and coffee shops may also opt to stop operating during the period.

He however does not expect the overall impact on the industry to be major as the period is considered slow for inbound tourism.

It is just before the peak period which commences in February due to the Chinese New Year season.

To mitigate the adverse situation, Goh has urged MAH members and other hotel operators to store as much water as possible and monitor their inhouse water pressure systems.

Conventionally, hotels maintain a 48-hour reserve supply of water.

He noted that the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) estimates major economic and commercial enclaves to have their water supply restored within 72 hours.

The necessary upgrading and repairs to the state’s piping system that the PBAPP needs to conduct are scheduled to only be for 24 hours.

Goh said that the cuts may thus be severe for just one day, but there is still a need to be prepared for any contingency situation.

Overall, however, Goh said, hotels in Penang are performing as well as they can be in view of the sweeping return of tourists this year after the dismaying years of Covid-19.

He nonetheless wants hoteliers to continue staying vigilant in view of reports that the pandemic is making another rapid return with a spike in cases this month.

Robust growth expected in 2024

Meanwhile, state Tourism and Creative Economy Executive Councillor Wong Hon Wai said that PBAPP has been informed of concerns expressed by hoteliers over the prolonged period of water disruption.

PBAPP has assured that the cuts will technically in many places be just for 24 hours while another 48 hours will be spent to ensure that supply resumes at optimum level, he said.

He also stressed that the shutdown period is deemed as a low season for tourism in Penang.

"We are now experiencing a surge this month, but we expect next month to moderate before it picks up again during the Chinese New Year celebrations," he said, referring to the festivity around February 10.

Wong also said that the state will prompt PBAPP to expedite the restoration of services quicker than forecast, as it will help the travel trade members in their operations.

Tourism in Penang is expected to register robust growth this year with room for even a better performance next year.

Tourism Malaysia’s northern office is also busy next year with Perlis having announced its ‘Visit Perlis Year 2024’ campaign.

The spillover of tourists visiting Perlis, especially those from Thailand across the border, will likely be felt in neighbouring Kedah and Penang. – The Vibes, December 18, 2023.