Latest news with #PenangWaterSupplyCorporation
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Penang govt identifying locations for floating solar projects
State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said areas such as the Teluk Bahang and Mengkuang dams were potential locations for the floating solar farms. (Bernama pic) GEORGE TOWN : The Penang government plans to develop floating solar projects in line with its efforts to achieve a target of 10% renewable energy by 2030. State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project was a suitable alternative in expanding the renewable energy sources due to the state's land constraints and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. Presently, he said, his team is considering strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang dam and Mengkuang dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation. 'So, it requires approval and also more thorough study,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil said the floating solar project would be important for the upcoming Silicon Island, with the area being actively developed and required renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said, the state government would try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. 'It is really necessary for Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar.'
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Penang explores floating solar projects for renewable energy goals
GEORGE TOWN: Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government's efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. He said presently, his team is considering various strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). So, it requires approval and also more thorough study,' he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil also emphasised the importance of the floating solar project in Silicon Island, considering the area is being actively developed and requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said the state government will try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. 'It is really necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar,' he said. Earlier in his speech, Zairil said the state government is committed to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024, which sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030. 'The framework mandates the installation and use of renewable energy systems for all new non-residential buildings and also requires the collection of building energy intensity data for all buildings in Penang,' he also said. He added that the Penang government will also expand its energy framework to include energy use in other sectors, such as industry and transport. - Bernama
Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Penang Identifying Locations For Floating Solar Projects
GEORGE TOWN, July 29 (Bernama) -- Penang plans to develop floating solar projects in line with the state government's efforts to achieve a target of 10 per cent renewable energy by 2030. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the project is seen as a suitable alternative in efforts to expand the use of renewable energy sources due to land constraints in Penang and the high cost of developing ground-mounted solar farms. He said presently, his team is considering various strategic locations with potential to implement the project, including dam areas such as the Teluk Bahang Dam and Mengkuang Dam. 'Dams are most suitable for a floating solar project in terms of area and water stability, unlike the sea where there are unique challenges and even the panel installation methods are different. 'However, many matters need to be examined first, considering that the dams are sources of drinking water supply and are under the management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP). So, it requires approval and also more thorough study," he told reporters after attending the Malaysian Photovoltaic Sustainable Energy Association (MPSEA) Solar Roadshow 2025 here today. Zairil also emphasised the importance of the floating solar project in Silicon Island, considering the area is being actively developed and requires renewable energy sources as an alternative energy supply. Therefore, he said the state government will try to expedite the implementation of the project, especially to support development on the artificial island as the state's new green technology hub. "It is really necessary on Silicon Island because the first area to be developed is the technology park. In two years, the factory will start operating, so we need renewable energy, especially solar," he said. Earlier in his speech, Zairil said the state government is committed to promoting energy efficiency through the Penang Energy Framework adopted in 2024, which sets clear targets of 10 per cent renewable energy and 25 per cent energy efficiency improvements by 2030.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
PwSC implements urgent measures to mitigate water supply issues
GEORGE TOWN: Penang Water Supply Corporation (PWSC) has implemented immediate measures to reduce disruptions and low water pressure during peak hours in several areas across the state, particularly in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), amid the current hot weather. Its chief executive officer, Datuk K. Pathmanathan, said the company's move to optimise its pipeline system, including valve adjustments, to channel more water to affected areas, has helped shorten the duration of interruptions. Currently, consumers experience low water pressure during the peak hours of between 6pm and 11pm, but efforts are in progress to reduce the disruption to just two to three hours daily. "July and August are the most challenging months due to higher demand and usage during the hot season, especially with ongoing development projects. "During peak hours, some 3,000 to 4,000 consumer accounts, mostly in SPS, are affected by low pressure, and we've even received complaints of complete supply loss for three to five hours," he told reporters at the Air Itam Dam yesterday. He was speaking after officiating the Auxiliary Police Hub of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Holdings Bhd, launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Also present was Penang Acting police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin Pathmanathan said that any further increase in water pressure could raise the level of non-revenue water, including the risk of leaks and burst pipes, as parts of the piping system in the affected areas are more than 50 years old. He noted that two major projects have been approved as long-term solutions for SPS. The first is the Sungai Kerian Water Treatment Plant project, with a capacity of 114 million litres per day (MLD), which is already underway and expected to be completed within 14 to 18 months. "The second is a new 50 MLD Dissolved Air Flotation water treatment module at Sungai Kerian, which was recently approved by the board of directors and is expected to be completed within 12 to 14 months," he said. Affected areas in SPS include Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Tambun, and Batu Kawan.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Low water pressure issues unacceptable, says Penang MCA
GEORGE TOWN: Penang MCA has urged the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to resolve the persistent low water pressure issues affecting thousands of residents in South Seberang Perai, Central Seberang Perai and parts of the island. Its state liaison committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said the continued disruptions, especially during peak hours, are completely unacceptable and highlight inefficiencies in PBAPP's operations. "Despite implementing a major water tariff hike, PBAPP has failed to deliver service quality that justifies such a drastic increase. "Tariff hikes should come with improvements, not deteriorations in service," he said in a statement on Friday (July 25). Tan, who is MCA vice-president, said instead, consumers, especially those living in higher-ground areas like Taman Cendana and Juru, are now forced to endure low water pressure and even dry taps for hours. He said what's even more glaring is the fact that PBAPP's holding company, PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB), recorded a substantial pre-tax profit of RM68.4mil in 2023, marking a 107.3% increase from RM32.998mil in 2022. He said this begs the question that if profits have more than doubled, why are Penangites still facing basic water supply issues? Tan said this situation could not come at a worse time. "With news reports that over 100,000 domestic and foreign Catholic pilgrims and tourists expected to arrive at the Minor Basilica of St Anne in Bukit Mertajam for St Anne's Feast Day, and many of them travelling to the island for sightseeing and leisure, Penang is at risk of giving a poor impression to both local and international visitors, besides the inconvenience of low water pressure where water usage is very essential," he said. Tan said this does not just affect the image of the state, and will directly impacts the tourism industry, small businesses, and state's economy. He urged PBAPP to provide immediate, transparent updates and timelines on remedial actions. "Penangites and visitors to Penang deserve a water management system that is resilient, forward-looking, and capable of coping with growing demand—not one that collapses under seasonal pressure or rapid development," he said. He said that mere acknowledgements and long-term promises are no longer enough. He added PBAPP must prioritise consumers over profit margins and take full accountability for its underperformance. Earlier today, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the corporation has implemented immediate measures to reduce disruptions and low water pressure during peak hours in several areas across the state, particularly in South Seberang Perai amid the current hot weather. He also said that the company's move to optimise its pipeline system, including valve adjustments to channel more water to affected areas, has helped shorten the duration of interruptions. Currently, consumers experience low water pressure during the peak hours between 6pm and 11pm, but efforts are ongoing to reduce the disruption to just two to three hours daily. Among affected areas are Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Tambun, and Batu Kawan. Other impacted locations are Bukit Penara and Balik Pulau in the Southwest District, as well as several parts of Seberang Perai Tengah.
