Penang: Three major dams in Penang are at optimal levels, each recording over 90 per cent effective capacity ahead of the expected dry season in January.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan attributed this positive development to high rainfall in the dams' catchment areas from September to November, driven by the La Ni±a-influenced Northeast Monsoon.

"For the first time since 2017, both the Air Itam and the Teluk Bahang dams have exceeded 90 per cent effective capacity. Current readings are 98.9 per cent for Teluk Bahang Dam, 93.4 per cent for Air Itam Dam, and 92.2 per cent for the Expanded Mengkuang Dam (EMD)," he said in a statement.

He added that several PBAPP initiatives contributed to the increased capacity, including the Air Itam Dam Action Plan (AIDAP), pumping water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to the Air Itam and Farlim service areas to minimise releases, and optimising raw water extraction from the Main and Tat intakes.

Pathmanathan added that PBAPP has strategically refilled the Teluk Bahang Dam, which has a capacity of 18,240 million litres, using raw water from the Batu Feringghi and Sungai Pinang catchment areas.

He mentioned that rainfall in Penang has decreased this month, with the dry season expected to begin in the second week of January 2026, whereas dry weather is forecast for February and March, coinciding with the Thaipusam, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

In this regard, he said PBAPP plans to release significant amounts of water from the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang Dams to meet increased demand during the festive season and higher visitor numbers.