Air Itam dam upgrades expected to be completed by October 2026. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Air Itam Dam is undergoing a RM7.2mil upgrade to ensure its structure and the surrounding areas are in good condition.
Penang infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the upgrading project followed inspections by the High Risk Dam Safety Inspection Task Force under Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry.
“The ministry through the water supply division appointed consultants to carry out repair works at the Air Itam dam.
“The objective is to ensure that the dam structure and surrounding areas are in good and safe condition.
“Using computer software, modelling and on-site tests, the consultants identified the extent of dam safety issues which might not be detected by visual inspection.
“This was done before consultants proposed the current repair works to ensure the dam’s structure is stable.”
Zairil said the project began on April 29 and was expected to be completed by Oct 28, 2026.
“The RM7.2mil cost was approved under the Third Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan in 2023,” he said.
“The project is being carried out by the Water Supply Department under Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry.”
Zairil said the scope of the work included slope and abutment stabilisation (techniques to prevent or mitigate slope failures, landslides and erosion).
Contractors also installed gabions and piling works, and undertook soil nailing work, construction of a surface drain and installation of an erosion control mat, he said.
“Repairs will be carried out on the spillway and tunnel structures as well.
“Dam monitoring systems will also be upgraded and repaired.”
Inspections, Zairil said, would be carried out on existing instruments such as the standpipe piezometer, seepage measuring weir and surface movement indicator and deflection point.
“New monitoring systems will be installed, including a central base station, monitoring software and inclinometer.”
The dam is an important component of Penang’s water supply infrastructure, with its storage capacity tapped to sustain continuous supply in the Air Itam township and nearby highland areas.
Penang Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said as of noon Monday, the dam’s effective capacity stood at 55.2%.
He said given the dry spell, the dam could supply water for over 50 days at the current usage of 261 litres per person per day. — By N. TRISHA
