KUALA LUMPUR – A problem with a floodgate at Sg Muda which allowed river water to flow out to sea is the cause of water supply cuts in Kedah and Penang.
Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Nor was reported saying that the floodgates had let large quantities of river water escape due to a “sensor failure”.
This caused the floodgates to open suddenly and unexpectedly, allowing “super-large quantities” of river water out to sea, Free Malaysia Today reported him saying.
This caused the river’s water level to drop sharply, affecting intake points at water treatment plants. Two plants in Kedah have had to stop operations temporarily.
Sanusi had visited areas along Sg Muda yesterday after some 252,000 consumers in the state faced water supply cuts since yesterday morning. Areas affected were Kuala Muda, Kulim, and parts of Baling.
Yesterday, the Penang Water Supply Corp (PBAPP) also alerted consumers in the state of disruptions in treated water supply until Wednesday. Until then, some areas on the island and the mainland may suffer from low water pressure or no supply at all.
PBAPP said a “sudden mishap” at Sg Muda had caused extreme drops in the river’s water level, leading to the cuts. The river that flows from Kedah is the main source of raw water for Penang.
Treatment plants in Penang at Lahar Tiang and Sg Dua are currently affected.
PBAPP said it is drawing water from the expanded Mengkuang Dam as an emergency response, but warned that this is still insufficient to make up for the shortfall from Sg Muda.
Consumers who still have water supply are advised to store water over the period. – The Vibes, May 15, 2023
