Penang will continue to take tough measures to guarantee there will be no water rationing, and investors are assured of a continuous water supply.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said despite the drought season, Penang has never conducted any water rationing - a notable achievement.

Lim attributed this to good management of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

PBAPP not only manages water well, but also finds alternative sources of water to avoid the need for rationing, he said in Penang today.

“Many states are facing water issues; in Johor, a dam can dry up although it is a wet season; in Penang, our Ayer Itam dam is almost full, the Teluk Bahang dam is over 55 percent, but we hope to fill it up at the end of the wet season.

“Even though we may not have the highest rainfall, we never had water rationing, this is one guarantee we can give all investors, we will not permit it,” Lim added.

“I said it before and will say it again. I have been accused of being very tough on the question of water rationing, if it is required, heads will roll.

“If anyone proposes water rationing, I will demand the resignation of the head (in PBAPP),” he stressed.

Lim said because of such a tough policy, the management has worked very hard to ensure adequate water supply and alternative resources in the event of a prolonged drought.

Penang had just endured the super El Nino season, where there were stretches of no rainfall. Yet there was no water disruption, Lim noted.

A commodity that many take for granted

To the investors and local residents, Lim told them to appreciate the commodity that many take for granted.

“Athough they are assured of guaranteed and continous water supply, they should please help conserve and not waste water.”

He told investors in Penang they had made the right choice to come to the island as they do not have to worry about water “as long as we are the government”.

Lim also admitted that that increase in the water conservation surcharge (WCS) in Penang did not help much in reducing water consumption.

The WCS only affects domestic water consumers who use more than 35,000 litres a month.

In 2013, the WCS was reviewed from RM0.24 per 1,000 litres to RM0.48 per 1,000 litres, and only for consumption above 35,000 litres a month.

This is because Penangites are only paying 32 sen a cubic metre for water, while residents in Johor pay RM1.31 per cubic metre.

Lim said the state’s water tariff was simply too low, as Penangites consume about 300 cubic metres per person a month.

“We are number one in terms of water consumption, this not something we are proud off, We still need to educate people. Let's appreciate efficient water management,” Lim said.

He said there were states that experienced water rationing, and even days without water.

“Even in Kedah, during Hari Raya Haji, some kampung had no water,” he said.

Lim added that Penang was also willing to be subjected to harsh scrutiny. “It will make the state better,” he said.