PENANG DAMS OPEN TO PUBLIC AS GREEN RECREATIONAL SITES

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 21 -- Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) is promoting two dams as green public recreational destinations to raise awareness on water conservation and transparency in dam management.

The Ayer Itam Dam and Teluk Bahang Dam are open to the public between 7 am and 7 pm daily with free admission.

In a press statement today, PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said visitors have used the dams as green recreational facilities as the premises are located in green water catchment areas and protected under state laws.

“Opening Penang's dam to the public reflects PBAPP's commitment to transparency and excellence in dam management. By placing the dams in public eye, PBAPP is obliged to ensure that these dams are properly managed and maintained.

“Every aspect of dam operations, from maintaining the grass berms to ensuring public safety to daily monitoring of effective capacities, must stand up to public scrutiny,” he said.

He said PBAPP would also allow public access into the expanded Mengkuang Dam once the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources hands over the dam to the state government after it is verified safe.

Jaseni said the primary reason PBAPP is encouraging the public to visit the dams is to promote water awareness and conservation.

According to him, PBAPP has installed light-emitting diode (LED) boards at the dam sites to display the dams’ effective capacities, making it easier for the visitors to identify the dam levels on the spot.

“As such, the people can immediately grasp and understand the status of the dams and the availability of raw water. Public understanding and support help PBAPP to promote water conservation amongst the community, especially during dry seasons when dam levels are low,” he added.

-- BERNAMA