Perak-Penang water project in final planning phase - Anwar
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech at the event at SK Dato’ Alauddin today - NSTP/L.MANIMARAN
BAGAN SERAI: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced that the Perak-Penang water project has reached its final stage of planning.
Anwar said the government has outlined a strategy to enhance the capacity of Sungai Perak and develop a direct drainage system to channel water from Bukit Merah to Kerian.
"Coincidentally, this Kerian area has its own history, as mentioned by the Perak menteri besar (Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad).
"There have been major efforts to address water supply issues, which remain unresolved.
"We have now decided that we are in the final stage of planning. We will repair and enhance the capacity of Sungai Perak and create a direct drainage system to channel water to Bukit Merah and from Bukit Merah to Kerian.
"This initiative is expected to improve water distribution not only for KIGIP (Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park) but also for the entire district, extending the supply to Seberang Perai, Sungai Bakap, and Cherok Tok Kun, ultimately benefiting Penang.
"This reflects the generosity of the people of Perak Darul Ridzuan. Thank you very much," he said in his speech at the state-level Madani breaking of fast programme at SK Dato' Alauddin, Selinsing.
Also present were Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
It was reported that during the closing of the northern region Madani Rakyat 2024 programme on May 4 last year, Anwar stated that the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and the Perak government under Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad had agreed to provide water supply to Penang.
The water supply would flow through the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park to Seberang Perai.
Under the first phase, the water supply would reach Seberang Perai, including Nibong Tebal and Sungai Bakap.
The water project, spearheaded by the prime minister, would provide five key benefits to Penang, particularly:Access to a second major water resource from the south (besides Sungai Muda in the north).
Lower risks of a water crisis during prolonged dry seasons in the future.
Sufficient water supply for Penang beyond 2030.
The federal allocation for the Perak-Penang water project is reportedly around RM1.7 billion.
The Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme (SPRWTS), as it was originally known, was part of the Penang Water Supply Initiative 2050 (PWSI 2050), designed to mitigate Penang's raw water supply risks until 2030.
It was proposed following an independent master plan study commissioned by PBAPP in 2009.
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By Zahratulhayat Mat Arif - March 14, 2025 @ 8:43pm
