GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has assured residents that the water capacity at the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams is still under control and sufficient for use.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the water levels at both dams were at warning levels, following adjustments made to maintain water level at the Air Itam Dam.
"As of now, we are maintaining the water level at the Air Itam Dam and we have synchronised operations at both dams (Air Itam and Teluk Bahang).
"We are drawing more water from the Teluk Bahang Dam while also releasing excess water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to ensure the water level at Air Itam Dam does not drop below 32 per cent," he said today.
He was met after the first EV truck cross border launch at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah here today.
Chow said the adjustments had increased the water level at the Air Itam Dam each month.
"Despite rainfall, we are extracting significant amounts of water from Teluk Bahang to be treated, which is often challenging, but we are managing," he added.
Yesterday, the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) reported that five dams showed water reserves below warning level, at less than 59.99 per cent.
Quoting the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), the agency listed the dams as: Muda Dam and Pedu Dam in Kedah, at 36.10 per cent and 50.50 per cent respectively; Teluk Bahang Dam and Air Itam Dam in Penang, at 37 per cent and 56.70 per cent, respectively; and Timah Tasoh Dam in Perlis, at 42.60 per cent.
The danger level readings are below 29.99 per cent, warning level at between 30 per cent and 59.99 per cent, and normal at above 60 per cent.