Latest news with #K.Pathmanathan
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Penang water supply stable despite heatwave, PBAPP urges prudent usage
GEORGE TOWN: Penang's water supply remains stable despite sweltering heat conditions affecting several northern states, including neighbouring Kedah and Perak, with dam levels in the state reported to be at satisfactory levels. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan told the 'New Straits Times' that that all three major dams in Penang — Air Itam, Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang — are operating within safe and sustainable limits. "To date, the Air Itam Dam stands at 62 per cent effective capacity, which can support water supply for around 60 days, while the Teluk Bahang Dam is at 51.7 per cent, sufficient for 157 days. "As for the Mengkuang Dam — our largest reservoir — it is at a strong 91.3 per cent capacity, which can last about 131 days," he said. Despite the reassuring figures, Pathmanathan stressed the importance of continued water conservation, particularly in light of rising temperatures and dry spells in nearby regions. "We are actively implementing the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2025, and are closely monitoring rainfall and weather conditions at all catchment areas. "However, prudent water usage by all consumers is crucial to ensure sustainability," he added. Penang has so far avoided the Level 1 heatwave alert status triggered in districts such as Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Kuala Kangsar and Perak Tengah (Perak), and Machang (Kelantan), where maximum daily temperatures have reached up to 37°C for three consecutive days. Pathmanathan said PBAPP is working with relevant authorities to manage demand and ensure uninterrupted supply throughout the state. He said consumers are urged to report any water leakages or broken pipes to the PBAPP call centre at 04-255 8255. "Everyone has a role to play. Saving water today means securing supply for tomorrow."
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Climate
- Malay Mail
Penang targets cut in daily water use to 250 litres per person amid climate-driven supply concerns
GEORGE TOWN, May 3 — Penang is targeting a reduction in domestic water consumption to 250 litres per capita per day (LPCD) this year, an 11-litre decrease from the 261 litres recorded last year. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer, Datuk K. Pathmanathan, said that while the target may appear modest, it could yield significant long-term benefits in terms of water supply sufficiency and security. 'If all 1.8 million Penang residents reduce their household water use by 11 LPCD, the cumulative savings could reach 19.8 million litres per day (MLD) this year,' he said during the World Water Day celebration at the Air Itam Dam today. The event was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and attended by Water Watch Penang president, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Chan Ngai Weng. Pathmanathan added that the projected domestic savings are expected to contribute to an estimated 2.3 percent reduction in Penang's overall water consumption, from 870 MLD last year to approximately 850 MLD this year. Saying domestic water use accounted for approximately 54 percent of total water consumption last year, he encouraged Penangites to use water more efficiently to help stabilise supply and reduce service disruptions in end-of-line distribution areas and highland zones in Seberang Perai Selatan and the Barat Daya District. Meanwhile, Pathmanathan noted that climate change has also impacted operations, with the effective capacities of the Teluk Bahang and Air Itam dams decreasing by 13.1 percent and 22.6 percent, respectively, due to low rainfall since January. He explained that although both dams are designed to be replenished by rainwater within their catchment areas, the significant reduction in rainfall, coupled with prolonged El Niño conditions, has hampered their recovery in recent years. In contrast, he said the Expanded Mengkuang Dam was specifically designed to be replenished primarily through water pumped from Sungai Kulim. 'We are currently implementing projects worth over RM1 billion under the Water Contingency Plan 2030 to ensure sufficient capacity for Penang by 2030. 'We therefore urge domestic users to conserve water to help reduce the state's water supply risks up to 2030, ensuring fair and equitable distribution while supporting the Penang2030 vision,' he said. — Bernama
New Straits Times
26-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang's water supply to be restored for majority of consumers by tomorrow
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has commenced water supply recovery operations for 40 per cent of the 341,708 consumers affected by last night's water cut, in accordance with the schedule. Its chief executive officer, Datuk K. Pathmanathan, said the recovery for 40 per cent of affected consumers in Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah, and the northeast districts would be completed by 10pm today. He said recovery for the majority of affected consumers in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) and the southwest districts would be completed by 10pm tomorrow. "This includes all factories in the industrial areas, the Penang International Airport, and Universiti Sains Malaysia. "As of 4pm today, 22 of the 23 water works projects have been successfully completed. The only project yet to be completed is a pipeline connection related to the Sungai Prai River-Crossing Pipeline (SP-RCP) project. "The pit dug for this remaining connection was flooded with water until early this morning. The contractor did not have enough water pumps on-site to remove the water, resulting in a delay. As of 4pm, the status of this last connection was at 49 per cent," he said in a statement today. Pathmanathan said the recovery for the remaining 41,523 consumers in the end-of-line (EoL) and high ground neighbourhoods in SPS and the southwest districts would be completed by 10am on Monday. He added that PBAPP had activated its "Plan B" to ensure water supply recovery remained on track. "We will pump more treated water to the northeast district using another pipeline and the 3rd Penang Twin Submarine Pipeline (3rd PTSP). "As such, although the SP-RCP final connection works are slightly delayed, PBAPP is fighting to stay on schedule for water supply recovery," he added. He said the PBAPP team was working diligently to ensure that all affected consumers have their water supply restored on time. It was reported that Penang is undergoing one of its most significant planned water cuts, which began on Friday night. The planned water cuts are expected to last between 24 and 60 hours, depending on the area.
The Star
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Water cut: Penangites urged to store up to two-and-half days supply
GEORGE TOWN: Consumers in Penang affected by the scheduled water supply disruption starting this Friday are advised to store enough water for 24, 48, or 60 hours of use. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said 40 percent or 136,683 of the 341,708 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Timur Laut District are expected to face a 24-hour supply disruption. "The disruption is expected to last 48 hours for 163,502 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Selatan, except for Kampung Sungai Baong, Kampung Wellesley, Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Sungai Duri, and the Seberang Perai Prison Quarters Complex. "A total of 41,523 users in all areas of the Barat Daya District, except for southern Balik Pulau neighbourhoods, Gertak Sanggul, Kampung Terang, Pulau Betong, and Sungai Ara, are expected to experience a 60-hour disruption until 10 pm on Sunday," he said. PBAPP will deploy 80 water tankers and place 182 static tanks at strategic locations statewide as part of its relief plan during the disruption, he added. Earlier, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said 341,708 consumer accounts in five districts in Penang will be affected by the scheduled water supply disruption from April 25 to 28. This is due to the implementation of 23 projects costing RM25mil in total, aimed at improving supply services for around 465,000 consumers in areas served by the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant. Meanwhile, Pathmanathan said structural works for all these projects are scheduled to be completed by 4 pm on Saturday, with restoration to start after final testing and commissioning, and once the treatment plant resumes operations. "Water supply will be restored in phases, as delivery times from the Sungai Dua treatment plant will differ by location. "In general, consumers located upstream and closer to Sungai Dua will receive water earlier than downstream consumers," he explained. - Bernama
Barnama
22-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Consumers Affected By Disruption Advised To Store Sufficient Water
GEORGE TOWN, April 22 (Bernama) -- Consumers in Penang affected by the scheduled water supply disruption starting this Friday are advised to store enough water for 24, 48, or 60 hours of use. Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said 40 percent or 136,683 of the 341,708 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Timur Laut District are expected to face a 24-hour supply disruption. 'The disruption is expected to last 48 hours for 163,502 consumer accounts in Seberang Perai Selatan, except for Kampung Sungai Baong, Kampung Wellesley, Taman Seruling Emas, Taman Widuri, Sungai Duri, and the Seberang Perai Prison Quarters Complex. 'A total of 41,523 users in all areas of the Barat Daya District, except for southern Balik Pulau neighbourhoods, Gertak Sanggul, Kampung Terang, Pulau Betong, and Sungai Ara, are expected to experience a 60-hour disruption until 10 pm on Sunday,' he said. PBAPP will deploy 80 water tankers and place 182 static tanks at strategic locations statewide as part of its relief plan during the disruption, he added. Earlier, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said 341,708 consumer accounts in five districts in Penang will be affected by the scheduled water supply disruption from April 25 to 28. This is due to the implementation of 23 projects costing RM25 million in total, aimed at improving supply services for around 465,000 consumers in areas served by the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant. Meanwhile, Pathmanathan said structural works for all these projects are scheduled to be completed by 4 pm on Saturday, with restoration to start after final testing and commissioning, and once the treatment plant resumes operations. 'Water supply will be restored in phases, as delivery times from the Sungai Dua treatment plant will differ by location.
