Penang considering water rationing to reduce water consumption

Oh no...it's so hot during this CNY period...now water rationing ??? Please do a bit and save water usage...else just imagine your sweaty body without a bath :(

The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has suggested a forced rationing of piped water supply in Penang to compel Penangites to reduce excessive water consumption. Penangites consume the highest amount of water in Malaysia at 286 litres per capita daily.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who is also the PBAPP chairman, said the action was being contemplated as Penangites have over the years topped the national water consumption levels.

Penang's water tariff is also the lowest in the country at 31 sen per cubic metre. Johor, which is currently facing water shortage, has the highest rate at 98 sen for the first 35 cubic metres for domestic supply.

In view of the current dry spell, Lim said that though the water supply from Muda River and Penang's three dams namely the Air Itam, Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang were enough to last from 100 to 276 days, even without a rainfall over the next few months, he urged Penangites to reduce their water consumption.

Lim said reports that Penang's water supply would only last for two weeks were untrue.

"We have to do something to reduce the water usage as at the rate Penangites use water, it could hit 300 litres per person per day while the United Nation's recommendation is 165 litres per person per day.

"Just because the rates are cheap, it should not be the excuse to waste water. It could lead to serious problems if we do not learn how to treasure or value the water supply from now.

"If Penangites can cooperate, we can prolong the availabity of water further," Lim said at a press conference.

He added the state government would also consider raising the water tariff if the situation worsens.

Also present at the press conference was PBAPP general manager Jaseni Maidinsa, who added that the PBAPP is planning a campaign to educate the public to value water if the dry weather continued and the levels at the dams dropped further.

Lim said Penangites should take heed of the situation in Johor, where several towns are facing acute water shortage and water rationing has commenced.

"We do not want this to happen in Penang," Lim said.

The worst drought in Penang was in 1977 when the water supply at the Air Itam Dam was reduced to 15 days.

The Edge Malaysia