Law to manage Penang raw water in the works

The Star

07-05-2025

Chow (second from right) with Pathmanathan (left) and Water Watch Penang president Datuk Dr Chan Ngai Weng (second from left) at the World Water Day 2025 celebration at Air Itam Dam, George Town. The pail is to represent the campaign urging Penangites to reduce a pail of water usage per person per day. (Right) Children enjoying a painting competition during the celebration. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Penang government will table a Bill to have a state enactment on raw water resource management.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Bill would work towards the establishment of a dedicated raw water management board with enforcement powers.
'It is aimed at strengthening governance and regulatory control over raw water resources in the state.
'Under the enactment, the board will be established and granted full authority including enforcement powers, issuing licences and permits and approving applications related to water abstraction activities according to set conditions.'
He said the Penang Water Regulatory Division (BKSA) currently only performed limited functions related to raw water management, and did not have enforcement or prosecutorial powers.
Speaking to reporters after launching the World Water Day 2025 celebrations at the Air Itam dam in George Town, Chow said the Bill would be tabled at the Penang state assembly sitting this month.
Stating that it was time for Penang to have a dedicated enactment for raw water management, he said the planned board would take over BKSA's responsibilities and be granted legal authority to act against any violations under the proposed enactment.
'The board is expected to ensure a sustainable, efficient and legally grounded raw water management system for the future of Penang,' he said.
Last year, state infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari announced that the Penang state executive council had, in principle, approved the proposal to upgrade BKSA.
On a separate note, Chow said Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) aimed to lower water usage to 250 litres of domestic water per capita per day (LCD) compared to the 261 LCD achieved in 2024.
'It is a realistic aim to achieve if everyone works together and takes the necessary steps to use water sparingly in their respective premises daily.
'There was a time when the average domestic water consumption in Penang was 308 LCD, which is high, but thankfully through various efforts in recent years, it has been reduced to 261 LCD.
'The water consumption figure per capita of 261 LCD is a good decrease in comparison to the 308 a few years ago and now we want to lower it by 11.
'If we follow the advice and conserve water whenever possible, I believe the target can be achieved,' he said.
PBAPP executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the target was a small step forward for Penang.
'Malaysia's national average was 237 LCD in 2023, while in Singapore an average of 141 LCD was recorded in the same year.
'Small progressive steps forward can mean water supply security in the future.
'The impact will be significant if 1.8 million Penangites save 11 LCD water at home as it will add up and save 19.8 million litres per day this year,' he said.
Pathmanathan said domestic (households) water consumption in 2024 constituted about 54% of the total water consumption in Penang.
'This is why it goes a long way when Penangites use lesser water at home.
'If managed well this can ensure sufficient and stable water supply in all areas in the state even during peak periods of consumption such as major festivals and holidays.
'It will help stabilise water pressure and reduce intermittent water issues in the end-of-line and high ground areas in south Seberang Perai and the southwest districts on the island,' he said.
Pathmanathan said by reducing water usage it will help the state weather through prolonged dry seasons and El Nino, lowering the risk of a water crisis.