Penang is strengthening its water supply infrastructure in South Seberang Perai (SPS) through a series of completed and upcoming projects aimed at meeting rising demand and improving long-term reliability.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who also chairs the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), said two key projects have already been completed under the state’s short- and medium-term strategy. These include the 6.4 million litres per day (MLD) Compact Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Sungai Kerian and the Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) plant at the Bukit Panchor Water Treatment Plant. Speaking during a site visit to both facilities, Chow said the projects are helping to address water supply challenges in the district while supporting future growth.

Further capacity expansion is already in the pipeline. An 80 MLD Water Treatment Plant at Sungai Kerian is expected to be operational by 2027 under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, while a larger 114 MLD treatment plant is targeted for completion by 2030 as part of the Water Contingency Plan 2030. The RM600 million plan comprises eight water infrastructure projects, with the appointment of the contractor for the 114 MLD facility expected by the end of this year.

Once the new treatment plants are commissioned, treated water for SPS will be sourced directly from Sungai Kerian instead of being transmitted from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant in North Seberang Perai. This will allow water currently channelled to SPS from Sungai Dua to be redirected to better serve North and Central Seberang Perai, improving the overall efficiency of the state’s water distribution network.

PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the 6.4 MLD Compact WTP has been operating since March last year, supplying treated water to about 4,000 consumers in the surrounding area as an interim solution to meet growing demand. He added that the new facilities under the Water Contingency Plan 2030 will play a vital role in strengthening water supply resilience as Penang continues to experience rapid industrial, commercial and population growth.

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