Secure Water Supply, Secure Future For Penang

IN THE LUSH landscape of Penang, where the balance between urban expansion and nature conservation is delicately poised, the issue of water security has emerged as a critical challenge. Known for its bustling industries, historic architecture and food scenes, Penang now faces a significant threat—water is running scarce.

The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) Chairman, Charles Santiago, recently highlighted the gravity of the situation at a press conference. Several Malaysian dams, including Penang’s Mengkuang Dam, have been in “a state of distress”—relying on only one water source makes them much more vulnerable to water disruptions. Moreover, over one-third of these dams are more than 50 years old, making them susceptible to operational failures.