Perak to prioritise local water needs before supplying Penang - Exco

IPOH: Perak's government has emphasized that the state's domestic, industrial, and agricultural water needs will take precedence over any potential water supply to Penang, according to Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, chairman of the Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Transport Committee. This approach is vital for ensuring a dependable water supply in the state, especially as demand is anticipated to increase over time, with projected usage at 1,500 million liters per day.

The Perak government intends to supply water to Penang only after fulfilling its own domestic, industrial, and agricultural requirements. This assurance comes in response to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement during Budget 2027 regarding the 40-year Bulk Water Supply Agreement (BWSA) between Perak and Penang. The agreement, signed between Khazanah Air Perak Sdn Bhd and Penang Water Supply Corporation, aims for the initial delivery of treated water in the first quarter of 2032.

Nizar highlighted that the project would also contribute to the development of the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park, which is attracting investments, particularly in the digital sector. He noted that a reliable water supply would boost investor confidence, enhance local businesses, and address supply disruptions in the Kamunting industrial area and Tasik Bukit Merah.

Furthermore, a stable water supply would alleviate supply disruptions in Kamunting industrial area and Tasik Bukit Merah, both important for agricultural and domestic use. The project would also generate additional revenue for Khazanah Air Perak and create job opportunities while enabling better water level management at Tasik Bukit Merah, potentially reducing the risk of drought for local communities, including padifarmers and inland fishermen.