GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is closely monitoring the water level at Sungai Muda, Kedah, which has been experiencing a drop following prolonged dry spell.
Penang gets 80 per cent of its water from Sungai Muda.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said, to date, Penang had not experienced any water issue following the drop in the Sungai Muda water level.
He said Sungai Muda was controlled by two dams, and he believed that the authorities would ensure ample water supply.
"Penang is downstream of Sungai Muda. So, we will closely monitor the situation.
"For now, we are able to extract raw water from Sungai Muda.
"I don't want to say that we should not worry because water is a priceless commodity. Without water, there will be no life," he said when asked about the latest development.
Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada) has taken to Facebook to issue an alert regarding the Sungai Muda water level, which involves the operations of the Sungai Petani and Pinang Tunggal Water Treatment Plants, which are showing a downward trend and are at risk of disrupting water supply to consumers in the Kuala Muda district.
It said the drop in Sungai Muda water level was a result of prolonged drought, resulting in a reduction in raw water.
To overcome the matter, the authorities have increased the drawdown from the Beris Dam to stabilise the Sungai Muda water level.
Chow said, in the case of Penang, the extraction pumps were situated deep in the river.
"This means that even if the water level dropped, we are still able to pump the water for extraction.
"We have recommended (to Sada) to also do the same," he added.
Earlier, Chow was met at the launch of iNPenang 100th issue at the St Giles Wembley Hotel here.
Present were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and iNPenang founder and editor-in-chief Datuk Chng Huck Theng.
Chow said since its inception in 2006, iNPenang had served as one of most valuable resources in comprehending the state's past, present and future initiatives.
"Charting Penang's unprecedented trajectory across the globe, with a bullish outlook particularly in the manufacturing sector.
"iNPenang has been playing a proactive role in promoting these ideas, values and development, acting as a catalyst for conversation, community participation and empowerment," he said.