Over 6,000 unscheduled water supply disruptions reported in Penang last year

GEORGE TOWN: A total of 6,330 unscheduled water supply interruptions, such as mishaps, were reported in Penang last year, more than double the national average of 2,663 cases in 2022.

Additionally, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) received 39,052 complaints for issues such as burst pipes, breakages and leaks, compared to the national average of 43,797.

However, scheduled water disruptions were significantly lower at 29 compared to the national average of 161.

PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan attributed the high number of incidents to aging pipes that are prone to bursting under increased pressure.

“When we increase the pressure (to deliver water to end users), it is a direct impact to another that could lead to a burst pipe.

“About 60% of current assets are aging and over 30 years old, yet we need to play a balance to regulate pressure and fulfill demands.

“To overcome this, pipe replacements need to go parallel with the upgrading of water treatment plants,” he said after the PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB) 24th annual general meeting here on Thursday (June 27).

PBAPP’s 2023 key performance index highlighted that it achieved full urban coverage and served 99.8% of the rural population.

The corporation produced 1,198 million litres daily (MLD) of treated water, billing 877 MLD in consumption.

Meanwhile, PBAPP and PBAHB chairman Chow Kon Yeow announced that PBAHB recorded a net profit of RM34.348mil last year, a decrease from the RM77.116mil net profit in 2022.

“This is primarily because the net profit for 2022 included an allocation of RM49mil in deferred tax assets recognised for unutilised reinvestment allowance to the extent that it is probable for recognition.

“There was no such tax allowance for the 2023 financial year.

“In reality, PBAHB’s profit before tax (PBT) for 2023 was RM68.41mil compared to RM32.998mil in 2022.

“This 107.3% increase in PBT year-on-year is primarily due to the 2023 water rate review for non-domestic water consumption,” he said.