Penang is pouring RM2.9 billion into water infrastructure over the next five years as the state braces for a 34% jump in demand by 2032.
The investment covers 12 major projects to boost supply capacity and reduce reliance on Sungai Dua, the state’s primary raw water source.
Current consumption sits at 865 million litres per day. By 2032, that figure is projected to hit at least 1,162 MLD. The surge is driven by semiconductor expansion, the Andaman Island project, Penang International Commercial City, Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3, and Silicon Island.
“Penang’s socioeconomic growth trajectory towards 2032 cannot be compromised, held back or delayed by insufficient water supply,” said PBAPP and PBAHB CEO Datuk K. Pathmanathan.
The bulk of the spending falls under PBAPP’s Water Contingency Plan 2030, worth RM2.098 billion. Six projects make up the plan:
Four new water treatment plants will add 478 MLD to PBAPP’s maximum designed capacity. They are the Mengkuang Park WTP in Seberang Perai Tengah, Sungai Kerian WTP in Seberang Perai Selatan, Sungai Perai Water Supply Scheme in Seberang Perai Tengah, and Sungai Muda WTP in Seberang Perai Utara. Each plant handles 114 MLD except Sungai Perai at 136 MLD.
Two pipeline projects will link key infrastructure: a 13km line from Sungai Dua to Butterworth and a 3.9km line from Macallum landing point to Bukit Dumbar Reservoir.
The federal government is contributing RM838 million through five projects under Petra, including a new barrage at Rantau Panjang on Sungai Muda, work under the Mengkuang Dam Expansion Plan, raw water development along Sungai Kerian, and water intake works at Titi Kerawang and Teluk Awak in Teluk Bahang.
An 80 MLD Sungai Kerian plant under a build-operate-transfer model is also on track to supply southern Seberang Perai by 2027.
The combined investment from the federal government, the Penang state government, and PBAPP aims to secure stable water supply through the 2030s.
Source: The Star
