GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) expects the Teluk Bahang Dam to reach an effective capacity of 80% to 90% before the next dry season begins in January 2026, says its chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan.
He said the dam’s current effective capacity stands at 84.2%, following consistent rainfall over the catchment area, with a total of 989mm recorded from Sept 1 until Friday.
“This marks a significant recovery from earlier in the year and provides reassurance to residents relying on the dam. With more rainfall forecast for this month, the dam’s capacity level is expected to continue improving.
“The dam remains in good condition to meet the water supply needs of about 37,000 consumers, barring any unforeseen circumstances,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Pathmanathan added that the current water storage level would be sufficient to support users in Teluk Bahang, Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong and Mount Erskine during the upcoming dry season, expected to start on Jan 1, 2026.
According to Bernama, Pathmanathan said the effective capacity of the dam stood at 61.7% on Jan 1 before dropping to its lowest level at 45.6% on April 10 this year, after 100 days of hot and dry weather.
Apart from the Teluk Bahang Dam, Pathmanathan said the Air Itam Dam also reached an excellent level of 98.1% as of Friday, while the Expanded Mengkuang Dam recorded 90.8% capacity.
“At Sungai Muda, during the first week of November 2025, the water level was recorded between 2.2m and 2.5m at the Muka Sauk Lahar Tiang, Seberang Perai Utara. The ‘safe’ level for optimal water abstraction is 2m,” he said.
“Therefore, PBAPP will continue to optimise raw water abstraction from Sungai Muda.”
