March 4, 2024
GEORGE TOWN – With more rainfall expected in Penang in the coming weeks, the water level at the Air Itam Dam may increase to at least half its capacity by May, says Chow Kon Yeow.
The Chief Minister said 11.5mm of rainfall was recorded in Air Itam following a short downpour on Saturday.
“Air Itam recorded 11.5mm of rain, while only 3mm of rain was recorded in Teluk Bahang. Mengkuang Dam got the most at 47mm in the past two days.
“As April is known to be a rainy month in Penang, we hope to recover and bring up water levels at the Air Itam Dam to 50% by May,” he said.
Chow, who is Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman, said when water levels at Air Itam Dam fell to 32.8% on Feb 5, the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024 was initiated to reduce daily drawdowns from the dam by 75%.
“Following the move and the rain (on Saturday), the level (yesterday) rose to 37.3% and this is a positive sign that the action plan is effective,” he said.