GEORGE TOWN, June 15 – The recent “Sungai Muda Incident” in May 2023 has emphasized the critical need for strong support and assistance from the Federal Government to complete the Mengkuang Dam Expansion Project (MDEP) and implement the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme (SPRWTS) in Penang. The incident resulted in hardships for 453,954 water consumers, underlining the urgency for immediate action. In a post-mortem report submitted to the Penang State Government, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) outlined key recommendations to address the issue.
These include fast-tracking the completion of “missing components” in the MDEP, enabling 1,000 million liters per day (MLD) drawdowns from the dam during emergencies involving Sungai Muda. It also involves expediting the implementation of the SPRWTS, allowing Penang to access a second major raw water resource. Furthermore, PBAPP emphasizes the importance of implementing projects outlined in the Water Supply Contingency 2030 (WCP 2030) plan, which aims to tap into additional raw water resources such as Sungai Kerian, Sungai Perai, and the Expanded Mengkuang Dam.
The report also calls for the establishment of an “early warning” emergency communications network among key organizations involved in water supply and irrigation activities related to Sungai Muda. Additionally, PBAPP suggests setting up a Sungai Muda Strategic Monitoring Centre (SMSMC) to monitor the river continuously, focusing on anomalies that may affect water abstraction at the Lahar Tiang Intake. The Sungai Muda Incident occurred when the water level at PBAPP’s Lahar Tiang Intake fell below 1.0m, preventing water abstraction from Sungai Muda to the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant.
The mishap was attributed to a faulty automated barrage gate managed by Pengurusan Lembaga Sungai Muda (PLSM), a division of the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). PBAPP activated its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and resorted to drawdowns from the Expanded Mengkuang Dam, but the volume was limited to 300 MLD, resulting in a significant shortfall in water supply to consumers. To prevent similar incidents and water supply disruptions, PBAPP emphasizes the urgency of completing the MDEP and implementing the SPRWTS.
These measures will provide Penang with alternative water sources and enhance its ability to manage emergencies effectively. Penang is heavily dependent on Sungai Muda as its primary raw water resource, which presents a high risk in the event of mishaps or disruptions. The responsibility for raw water resource development lies with the Federal Government, and only they have the authority, resources, and funds to facilitate inter-state water transfer projects like the SPRWTS.
The completion of the MDEP, which is a Federal project, is crucial to provide Penang with a viable backup option during emergencies. PBAPP appeals to the Federal Government to intervene promptly and mitigate the high water risks faced by Penangites. Without the completion of the MDEP and implementation of the SPRWTS, the population and businesses in Penang will continue to be vulnerable to water supply disruptions whenever Sungai Muda encounters issues.
