Penang: Of the 341,708 users affected by the scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) in the five districts in Penang, 162,000 of them have had their supply restored as of 11.30 am today, with 100 per cent restoration in the Seberang Perai Utara (SPU) area.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) reported that supply to other areas had been restored up to 88 per cent in Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT); 84 per cent in Timur Laut; 38 per cent in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS); and 10 per cent in Barat Daya within the same period.

PBAPP stated that the maximum level of restoration has been reached for now because the contractor appointed for the Sungai Perai River Crossing Pipeline (SP-RCP) has not completed the work. As an emergency response, more pipe welders have been sent to Sungai Perai to expedite the project.

The water supply disruption, occurring from April 25-28, involves 341,708 user accounts in five districts in Penang. PBAPP has advised consumers to store enough water to last between 24 and 60 hours. The interruption is due to the implementation of 23 projects, with a total cost of RM25 million, aimed at improving water supply services for approximately 465,000 consumers served by the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (LRA).

Penang previously faced a 96-hour water supply disruption from January 10-14 last year, during which many areas were completely without water.