Explore tapping into groundwater to meet needs, minister tells Penang
Penang gets its raw water from Sungai Muda, which it shares with Kedah. (PBAPP pic)
PETALING JAYA: Environment and water minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man has told Penang to explore tapping into water from the ground to meet its “desperate” water supply needs.
In a written parliamentary reply, Tuan Ibrahim said the ministry welcomed initiatives to explore alternative sources to guarantee the sustainability of the people’s water supply.
He also advised the state government to take proactive steps to encourage Penangites to save water.
“In 2021, the use of water by Penang was 308 litres per capita, compared to 301 litres per capita in 2020.
“This is a very high amount compared to the average litre per capita advised by the World Health Organization, which is 160 litres per capita.
“The ministry believes that continued awareness campaigns can help reduce the use of water per capita, indirectly helping to boost the water supply of the state,” he said in his reply to a question from Chow Kon Yeow (PH-Tanjong).
Earlier this month, Penang was hit by massive water cuts after treatment plants were forced to shut down because of murky water following the floods in Baling, Kedah. Penang gets its raw water from Sungai Muda, which it shares with Kedah.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation previously warned against tapping into water from the ground, saying it was not feasible because of the risk of land sinking and the state’s general limited landmass.
