Penang’s scheduled water cut not one man’s decision, says CM

THE DECISION to implement a scheduled water cut to last a maximum of four days for the majority of Penang was made collectively by the board of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) and state executive council.

It was not one man’s decision, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who chairs both the board and council, today.

He said that no matter how unpopular the move is, it is crucial for the state to continue to enjoy efficient supply of treated water in the immediate future.

This would be pending completion of new infrastructure and repairs during the period, and sourcing of new water resources, he said.

“I could have closed my eyes and left it to a future candidate for chief minister to resolve the problem.

“But as the leader of the state government and PBAPP chairperson, it is necessary for me to do this to prevent hardship for the people here,” he said.

Last week, Chow’s predecessor, Lim Guan Eng, had criticised PBAPP chief executive officer K Pathmanathan during a closed-door meeting for saying that it is the public’s responsibility to store at least two days’ worth of water at all times.

A now viral video clip from the meeting shows Lim calling for more water tankers to be placed on standby at worst-affected areas in the state, instead of putting people under pressure to store water.

Lim, who is Air Puteh assemblyman, said that it is the government’s role to provide water and the responsibility should not be thrust upon consumers.

The four-day water shutdown is scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday.

The first 24 hours will see work for two valves to be replaced at the Sg Muda main water treatment and supply plant, which supplies to most of Penang. Ancillary work will also be conducted at 22 other locations for upgrading and repairs.

The reality, Chow stressed, is that several water pipelines in Penang are already in critical condition and ruptures could occur due to unforeseen circumstances.

“These pipes have repeatedly been damaged. They could rupture at any time from high water pressure,” he said.

“I hope Penangites understand that this is the collective decision of the PBAPP board and state executive council. This is not one man’s decision,” Chow was quoted as saying in an interview with the Chinese vernacular Guang Ming Daily.

According to PBAPP, close to 600,000 accounts will be affected by the shutdown. Supply to most of these will be restored within 72 hours.

A small number of locations on hilly areas and at the end-of-line will have supply restored within 96 hours.

Meanwhile, elected representatives such as Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo have taken to social media to highlight their preparations to aid constituents.

He showcased the huge water containers that have been procured to help affected residents, especially those without storage tanks.

Some villagers in the semi-rural locations who continue to have wells near their homes are allowing neighbours to access them for water. – The Vibes, January 8, 2024