Penang water cut: Factories staring at billions in losses

GEORGE TOWN: The manufacturing sector is staring at losses that could run into billions of ringgit due to the impending 96-hour water supply cut next month, while small businesses are worried about having to close shop.

They are appealing to the state government to find ways to shorten the disruption period to lessen the impact on their operations and incomes.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang chapter chairman Datuk Lee Teong Li said the association is alarmed by the length of the water cut from Jan 10 to 14, which it said poses an unprecedented challenge to operations.

He said the sector is a crucial component of Penang’s economic landscape.

“While we understand the importance of infrastructure upgrades, we strongly urge the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to explore alternatives that would allow for a phased or shorter-duration disruption to minimise the impact on businesses.

“The proposed 96-hour continuous water cut poses an untenable situation for the manufacturing sector. We implore PBAPP to consider the economic repercussions carefully,” Lee said in a statement yesterday.

While acknowledging the necessity of maintenance activities, he questioned the viability of a continuous 96-hour disruption, which far exceeds the national standard that is typically 48 hours.As the manufacturing industry operates on tight schedules, he said any extended interruption, especially one lasting 96 hours, will undoubtedly result in severe financial losses for the sector.

“FMM calls for increased transparency and engagement with the manufacturing sector to ensure that our concerns are adequately addressed.

“The current approach raises serious apprehensions about the economic viability of our members,” he said.

He said FMM believes that a balance could be struck between the essential upgrades and the economic well-being of the businesses and workforce in Penang.

Food operator Idris Shah Osman, 47, said he would store water for his business in Bandar Perda on the mainland.

“The disruption will last for days and I cannot afford to close my business. I just hope the period of water cut will be shortened,” he said.

Responding to the uproar over the water cut, state infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the water cut was unavoidable as two major valves had to be replaced at the Sungai Dua water treatment plant.

“It should have been done several years ago, but there was no suitable time. Some parts have not been replaced for the past 50 years,” he told a press conference here yesterday.

“If we don’t do it now, we are concerned the parts will deteriorate further and there could be an unexpected water cut.

“If this happens, the situation will be worse. Therefore, we made the announcement a month in advance to allow affected users to prepare early.”

Zairil said hospitals, hotels and factories are required by law to have adequate water supply stores for 48 hours.

He also advised those affected to limit their water usage throughout the four days and those residing in high-rise buildings to use water wisely.

State local government committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye has been tasked with coordinating the deployment of water tanks to affected areas, especially apartments and hospitals.

Zairil also advised car wash and laundry operators to temporarily halt their operations.

But one car wash operator Mohd Zaini Yahya, 47, said he could not afford to shut down his Permatang Pauh business.

“I need to pay my staff and my rent. I hope the local authorities can help ‘channel’ water to businesses like mine. I need at least 1,000 to 2,000 litres of water a day,” he said.

G Hotel Gurney communications director Christina Tan said the hotel will ensure that it stores enough water and that it would inform its guests of the water cut.

She said that based on past records the occupancy rate during that period will be only 20% to 30%.