Baling flood forces Penang water treatment plant to be temporarily closed

 

The flash flood in Baling, Kedah has led to the closure of Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant in Butterworth, Penang after receiving muddy water from Sungai Muda, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

He said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) was forced to close the water treatment plant between 8am and 12pm today, resulting in low water pressure in some areas in Penang.

"The Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant, which produces over 80 percent of treated water to the entire Penang every day, is very important to us.

"The water treatment plant was affected as the raw water it received from Sungai Muda was too murky, believed to be the result of flash flood in Baling.

"The treatment plant could not function properly and the PBAPP had to stop the operation of water treatment from 8am to 12pm," he said in a statement today.

In an immediate response, he said the PBAPP began to channel water from Mengkuang Dam, which serves as a ‘strategic dam’ to be supplied to consumers in the state.

"I was made to understand that PBAPP chief executive officer Jaseni Maidinsa and his team hold a meeting to discuss appropriate action," he said.

In a statement today, PBAPP said the water treatment plant resumed operation in stages after 12pm today as the water quality improved.

The flood and water surge phenomenon that hit Baling on June 4 following downpours has claimed three lives and displaced more than 1,400 victims. Three relief centres have been opened to accommodate the victims. - Mkini