THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has assured consumers that the supply of piped water is stable for now, with dams recording reasonable levels despite the prolonged dry and high humidity levels the state is experiencing.
PBAPP chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk K. Pathmanathan assured that the water supply is stable at least until next month, but to sustain a normal supply, he urged consumers to embark on water-saving initiatives.
PBAPP is closely monitoring the water levels in view of the current climate situation.
The entire water system is dependent, for now, on the intake from the Sungai Muda - the river bordering Kedah and Penang.
"We are hoping that there is no major release from the Sungai Muda water stations as the dry spell also affects the entire northern region."
As of today, the data showed that the three main dams at Mengkuang (Bukit Mertajam), Air Itam and Teluk Bahang are at good levels.
Pathmanathan reasoned that the dams are at stable levels because of the double dam defence programme undertaken by the water authority.
The levels at Menkuang are at 91.6%; at Teluk Bahang and Air Itam, it is at 80% and 61% respectively.
Elaborating, Pathmanathan said that the Sungai Muda water catchment area is adequate to supply water for Penang and Kedah, but it would be better for both states if the dam levels at Kedah, Muda and Beris reach safety levels soon.
Despite this assurance, Pathmanathan urged consumers to undertake water-saving measures, as climate change has made the rain forecast difficult to predict.
Last year, domestic water use was 55.7% (482 million litres daily) of the overall water (including commercial and industrial) usage in the state, which is about 865 million litres daily.
"If we can reduce water usage in households, we can then sustain the efforts to address the dry spell effectively."
Water savings tips are available at the official portal of PBAPP at www.pba.com.my.
Pathmanathan said that there is a need to use recycled water, such as rainwater, for areas such as watering plants and car wash services. - April 16, 2026.
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