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The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Low water pressure issues unacceptable, says Penang MCA
GEORGE TOWN: Penang MCA has urged the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to resolve the persistent low water pressure issues affecting thousands of residents in South Seberang Perai, Central Seberang Perai and parts of the island. 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.
The Star
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
‘BN still silent on unity govt pact'
MCA vice-president cum Penang state liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng. ( November 29, 2024 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star MCA calls for clear strategy ahead of next general election PETALING JAYA: Despite the general election being less than three years away, Barisan Nasional has yet to make clear its collaboration with the unity government in facing the next poll, says MCA vice-president Datuk Tan Teik Cheng ( pic ). 'This is a question that requires leadership and clear direction, yet it continues to go unanswered,' he said. The collaboration with the unity government or Pakatan Harapan remains unclear and requires urgent clarification, he said. 'As MCA secretary-general Datuk Chong Sin Woon rightly noted, MCA has given Barisan over two years since the conclusion of the 15th General Election to recalibrate and set a strategic path forward. 'To date, no decisive plan has been presented to the component parties,' Tan said in a statement yesterday. On April 29, Chong said that Barisan had not yet put forward a clear direction although almost three years had passed since the 2022 general election. Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi was quoted last Sunday as saying that Barisan would continue to use its scales as a symbol of the coalition in the next general election. He also said that Barisan component parties, including MCA and MIC, would continue to have opportunities to contest in the next general election. However, Tan pointed out that Ahmad Zahid's statement about Barisan contesting under its own banner 'lacked clear direction' for the national polls. 'While he suggested that MCA would have a chance to contest in the election, it needs clarification as the MCA leadership has not had detailed discussions with other Barisan component parties about seat distribution,' he said. As such, Tan said that in the spirit of partnership and unity within Barisan, the Barisan chairman should start a proper consultation process involving all component parties. 'Seat negotiations and electoral strategy should not be determined or announced unilaterally. 'These decisions should reflect the collective will and consensus of the Barisan coalition. 'The credibility of Barisan moving forward depends on its ability to operate with transparency, inclusiveness and a shared purpose. 'To regain the confidence of the people, we must respect coalition leadership principles, which have held us together through decades of service to the nation,' he added.
BusinessToday
21-04-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Penang LRT: Land Secured, Pre-Construction Advances Ahead Of Schedule
Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) has secured access to 86 land plots and completed gazettement under Section 8 of the Land Acquisition Act 1960 — a milestone achieved well ahead of its original October 2025 target. The progress comes as part of the Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT) Mutiara Line project, which remains on track and is progressing according to schedule, MRT Corp confirmed in a statement today. The Mutiara Line, stretching 29.5 km and featuring 21 stations, aims to boost mobility across Penang Island and the mainland. The line will connect Penang South Reclamation's Island A to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station, with trains running alternately across both routes to maximise coverage. A critical milestone was the recent approval of advance works under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976, granted on April 15, which further cements the project's forward momentum. The company clarified that SRS Consortium Sdn Bhd — the main civil contractor for Package 1 — is currently working to fulfil several post-award contract conditions. Only after these are satisfied will the official Notice to Proceed (NTP) be issued. MRT Corp explained: 'As the design-and-build civil contractor for Package 1, SRS must finalise the designs and construction drawings for the civil structures within the project scope after receiving the NTP. Another critical aspect of pre-construction work is the relocation of utilities, which must be completed before any station or viaduct-related construction activity can occur.' This statement comes in response to a recent news report quoting MCA vice-president Tan Teik Cheng, who questioned the project's status and highlighted that the official NTP had yet to be issued, despite the LRT's formal launch in January. Related
