Penang CM: ‘My greatest legacy is ensuring sustainable water supply for Penangites’

INTO his final term as Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow said he was confident his two-term legacy would revolve around making the water supply resilient in the face of climate change and ageing infrastructure.

Chow said his administration took the bold move to undertake a series of major projects to secure the long-term water sustainability for the state.

Since 2018, Penang has amended its constitution to become the only state in the country where there is a two-term limit for the top public executive position.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Penang chapter of the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia, Chow said that while infrastructure projects such as the Mutiara Light Rail Transit Line would play a major role in the state’s future, ensuring a sustainable water supply for Penangites would ultimately define his administration’s contribution.

 “I may not be able to deliver all the transportation projects that people hope for. Perhaps the LRT will be the saving grace for my legacy. But I believe my administration’s real legacy will be ensuring water supply resilience in the state. This is even more important,” he said.

According to Chow, Penang has faced significant challenges over the past few years, including issues with raw water supply, treatment capacity, distribution networks, and non-revenue water.

To cap it off, is a long-standing dispute with neighbouring Kedah over riparian rights to Sungai Muda, which supplies water to households in the northern region.

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), which Chow chairs the board, has implemented the Water Contingency Plan 2030  to diversify water sources and reduce reliance on the state’s primary raw water source -  Sungai Muda.

Chow noted that although the river remains a shared water source with Kedah, it will continue to play an important role in Penang’s water supply strategy.

Among the projects currently underway is the construction of a new barrage downstream of the existing structure on Sungai Muda, aimed at increasing water retention capacity.

The project will allow the state to store higher water levels and extract more raw water for treatment before it flows into the sea.

“The purpose of the new barrage is to regulate the water flow from upstream and allow us to store more water. If we do not capture it, the water will simply flow into the sea,” he said.

Another key component of the strategy involves optimising the use of the Mengkuang Dam.

Previously designated as a strategic reserve dam for emergencies, the state has now developed a new water treatment plant near the dam to increase Penang’s treatment capacity.

The project, expected to be completed next year, will allow treated water to be supplied directly from Mengkuang Dam, while preserving its role as a strategic reserve in times of crisis.

The state is also exploring new raw water sources, including the Sungai Kerian, in Perak, where studies indicate that the river may yield more than 200 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water.

Based on the findings, plans are underway to construct a 114 MLD water treatment facility to tap the river as an additional source.

Chow said that these efforts will be complemented by the proposed Perak-Penang Water Supply Scheme, which strengthens Penang’s long-term water security.

 He expressed hope that shareholders of PBA would approve the proposal at an upcoming extraordinary general meeting, paving the way for formal agreements with the Perak state government.

“Through these initiatives, we want to ensure that Penang remains resilient in terms of water supply and prepared for future growth,” he said.

Chow also said that Penang continues to demonstrate strong economic fundamentals, with RM23 billion in investments secured last year and sustained growth in its industrial ecosystem.

He also pointed out that the northern region recorded more than RM37 billion in property transactions, with Penang accounting for the largest share in value.

Chow thanked Rehda Penang for its longstanding partnership with the state government, noting that collaboration between the public and private sectors remains important in shaping sustainable urban development. - March 7, 2026.