Urgent need to reduce piped water usage in Penang

CONSUMERS in Penang need to reduce their dependence on piped water as the state leads the nation in domestic usage with a staggering average of 284 litres daily.

The main user is the sole apex university in the country.

With climate change in effect from prolonged droughts to heatwaves and the higher intensity in floods and landslides, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) - a national water asset management board, is concerned over the inability to reduce usage.

With residents averaging 284 litres daily, the state leads the nation in water usage (domestic), according to PAAB and this also contributes to wastage. 

PAAB chairman Datuk Seri Jaseni Maidinsa has sounded the alarm, calling for proactive measures to tackle this issue.

 “The numbers (water use) are concerning, but Penang can significantly reduce usage if we take the right steps,” the former Penang Water Services Authority chief executive officer told a press conference when visiting Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

PAAB is trying to assist by installing water-saving devices in public institutions like universities, colleges, schools, and mosques, specifically places where water bills are typically footed by higher authorities.

USM tops the list in Penang, with each individual consuming nearly 300 litres daily.

“By implementing these measures, we are not just saving water but enabling the campus to redirect resources to other critical projects,” Jaseni stressed.

 During its corporate social responsibility event at USM, PAAB committed RM50,000 to upgrade the water infrastructure at the university.

This includes enhancing facilities at the Desa Siswa Indah Kembara L-12 residence, which houses many students.

“The goal is to slash water bills by 30%, potentially saving millions of ringgit annually."

Jaseni urged Penang to learn from Singapore, where residents consume only 140 litres daily, while the water rates are also quite steep.

The veteran water specialist made these remarks as PBAPP

USM vice-chancellor (community and industrial network) Prof Dr Azlan Amran said the CSR initiative at USM isn’t just about saving money but also cultivating a culture of sustainability.

 “By engaging students and the community, we will support PAAB in its effort to spark a ripple effect of responsible water usage across the state. This marks the beginning of a broader movement to ensure that Penang doesn’t just lead in development but also environmental stewardship,” he said.

The water savings project at Desa Siswa is expected to take three months, and it will involve installing cutting-edge smart water products designed to reduce water consumption by up to 50%.

This groundbreaking pilot project unites the expertise and resources of PAAB, USM, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), and the Water Watch Penang.

PAAB chief executive officer Zulkiflee Omar said the aim is to foster a culture of water conservation among students, a small step with significant potential to influence the nation’s sustainability goals.

The initiative is part of a broader sustainability effort by PAAB, which has invested RM1.15 million since 2019 in various programmes, including the PAAB School Sustainability Programme, Green Mosque Programme, beach clean-ups, and mangrove tree planting. - December 17, 2024.