Temporary measure: Workers unloading some of the water tanks distributed in the Pengkalan Kota area. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Consumers in the state should store enough water to help them get through the impending four-day water cut from Jan 10, says an MP.
“I advise those affected to store water early and buy mineral water as a precautionary measure,” said Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying.
“Those who need help can always reach out to us,” said the Deputy Finance Minister after handing over water tanks to Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng in Lintang Macallum 2.
Water supply for most of Penang, both on the island and mainland, will be cut from Jan 10 to 14, while many other areas will have low water pressure.
The water cut is to allow Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to carry out repairs at Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
The work involves replacing two valves measuring 1,200mm that have been leaking in the plant.
However, the water cut will not affect areas like Ayer Itam, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang, which receives water from the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams.
The 40 tanks, worth RM18,000 have been distributed to three areas under the Tanjong parliamentary constituency, namely Pengkalan Kota – which will receive 25 tanks, Komtar (eight) and Padang Kota (seven).
Each tank, which can store 1,890 litres of water, will be placed at strategic spots like high-rise buildings, Lim said.
“Water stored in these tanks is for the elderly.
“The Fire and Rescue Department water tanks are far away and it will be difficult for them to carry the water back to their homes.”
Sri Ananda Bahwan (SAB) group managing director V. Harikrishnan said his chain of restaurants will use paper plates and cups to reduce the need to wash crockery.
“If we do need more water, we have outlets in Sungai Petani and Kulim,” he said.
Penang Island City councillor R. Hari Krishnan said the scheduled water cut would make things difficult for the Indian community celebrating Ponggal on Jan 15.
“Although the water cut is expected to be over by then, it will still inconvenience the community, especially in preparing for the festival.
“The PBAPP should be mindful when making plans so that it will not complicate the situation during the festive season.
“If PBAPP feels that the works can be postponed, then it should do so,” the councillor said in a statement.
