Penang’s water lifeline gets boost as new barrage nears completion

Construction works on a new barrage at the Muda river, 30cm higher than the old structure, are ahead of schedule, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said. (CMO pic) GEORGE TOWN: A new barrage on Sungai Muda to improve water supply for Penang and Kedah is 77% complete and is expected to be completed six months ahead of schedule, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said.

He said the RM117.79 million project at Rantau Panjang in north Seberang Perai, was expected to be completed by mid-2027.

Chow said the new barrage would replace an old structure on the Penang side of the river. It would be 30cm higher, allowing more water to be retained during dry spells.

“The purpose of the barrage is to hold and store water, particularly during the dry season,” he told state organ Buletin Mutiara after visiting the project site today.

Penang obtains about 85% of its water supply from the Muda river. Low river levels earlier this year raised fears over water shortages, prompting the Penang Water Supply Corporation to activate its contingency plan.

Chow said the federal government funded barrage project was part of works linked to the Mengkuang Dam expansion.