GEORGE TOWN: The recent rainfall has not been sufficient to increase the current storage of raw water in the state's two main dams.
According to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) on Sunday (Aug 11), the effective capacity at the Itam Dam has decreased by 1.2 percentage points to 30.0% compared to Thursday (Aug 8).
The Teluk Bahang Dam's effective capacity also decreased by 0.8 percentage points on Sunday, from 27.4% on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the water capacity at another dam, the Mengkuang Dam, is at 86.2%, which is considered normal.
On Tuesday (Aug 6), the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) issued a statement saying the current stock of raw water in Muda Dam, Kedah, Bukit Merah Dam in Perak, and Teluk Bahang Dam in Penang had fallen to dangerous levels, with readings recorded as 7.44%, 16.43%, and 28.20%, respectively, as of August 5.
Five more dams' remaining stock of raw water is less than 59.99%, which is considered a warning level.
Citing the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), the agency said the five dams are Air Hitam Dam in Penang, with 32.40%, Malut Dam, Pedu Dam, and Beris Dam in Kedah, respectively recording 37%, 37.02%, and 53.39% and Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis (38.49%).
Previously, PBAPP appealed to the 593,255 registered domestic water users in the state to reduce water consumption by 10% until September's rainy season to avoid a water crisis.
PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said a 10% reduction in domestic consumption would help PBAPP save 50 million litres per day (JLH).
PBAPP also activated a crisis management plan to minimize the impact of low rainfall and ensure that Penang has enough water until the rainy season arrives in September. – Bernama
