Low water pressure issues unacceptable, says Penang MCA
Its state liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the continued disruptions, especially during peak hours, are completely unacceptable and highlight inefficiencies in PBAPP's operations.
"Despite implementing a major water tariff hike, PBAPP has failed to deliver service quality that justifies such a drastic increase.
"Tariff hikes should come with improvements, not deteriorations in service," he said in a statement on Friday (July 25).
Tan, who is MCA vice-president, said instead, consumers, especially those living in higher-ground areas like Taman Cendana and Juru, are now forced to endure low water pressure and even dry taps for hours.
He said what's even more glaring is the fact that PBAPP's holding company, PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB), recorded a substantial pre-tax profit of RM68.4mil in 2023, marking a 107.3% increase from RM32.998mil in 2022.
He said this begs the question that if profits have more than doubled, why are Penangites still facing basic water supply issues?
Tan said this situation could not come at a worse time.
"With news reports that over 100,000 domestic and foreign Catholic pilgrims and tourists expected to arrive at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam for St Anne's Feast Day, and many of them travelling to the island for sightseeing and leisure, Penang is at risk of giving a poor impression to both local and international visitors, besides the inconvenience of low water pressure where water usage is very essential," he said.
Tan said this does not just affect the image of the state, and will directly impacts the tourism industry, small businesses, and state's economy.
He urged PBAPP to provide immediate, transparent updates and timelines on remedial actions.
"Penangites and visitors to Penang deserve a water management system that is resilient, forward-looking, and capable of coping with growing demand—not one that collapses under seasonal pressure or rapid development," he said.
He said that mere acknowledgements and long-term promises are no longer enough.
He added PBAPP must prioritise consumers over profit margins and take full accountability for its underperformance.
Earlier today, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the corporation has implemented immediate measures to reduce disruptions and low water pressure during peak hours in several areas across the state, particularly in South Seberang Perai amid the current hot weather.
He also said that the company's move to optimise its pipeline system, including valve adjustments to channel more water to affected areas, has helped shorten the duration of interruptions.
Currently, consumers experience low water pressure during the peak hours between 6pm and 11pm, but efforts are ongoing to reduce the disruption to just two to three hours daily.
Among affected areas are Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Tambun, and Batu Kawan.
Other impacted locations are Bukit Penara and Balik Pulau in the Southwest District, as well as several parts of Seberang Perai Tengah.
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