Penang, Perak to restart discussions on raw water transfer scheme

GEORGE TOWN: Penang and Perak will restart discussions on a raw water transfer scheme between the two states, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said that the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme discussions will start on Thursday (Nov 9) with both state government and water authority representatives sitting down to meet.

"The water issues for Penang are critical and this discussion by both state governments is something positive. I believe the project can be a new water source for Penang," he said.

Nik Nazmi added that there is a positive indication to continue the discussions on the project, saying that his ministry is ready to facilitate the discussions when needed.

He then said that he hopes that there will be a positive outcome between the state governments from the discussion.

In 2009, Penang initiated a study to explore alternative sources of raw water, with Sungai Perak being identified as one such potential resource.

The scheme was introduced in 2011, and throughout the years, Penang engaged in multiple discussions with Perak regarding the project, yet no consensus was reached.

This project was proposed by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to utilise Penang’s second water source in Sungai Perak to meet future water supply needs for Penang and northern Perak.

Penang, through PBAPP, has been trying to source water from Sungai Perak as an alternative raw water resource for the state since 2011.

The project would involve the construction of a water tunnel to channel raw water from Sungai Perak upstream to Sungai Ijok, which would flow to Sungai Kerian.

The raw water would then be extracted from Sungai Kerian, where a water treatment plant would be built on the Penang side of the border.