Heavy rain, but Teluk Bahang dam shows steady drop
GEORGE TOWN: Despite the heavy rain in Teluk Bahang that caused a massive flash flood in three villages in the area, the dam level is at 43.5% capacity, which is considered very low for a rainy season.
Based on an observation throughout the month, the dam level was seen experiencing a steady drop.
Teluk Bahang Assemblyman Shah Headan Ayoob Hussain Shah said the heavy water flow was not channelled correctly, which is into the dam.
“There is so much water flowing until it caused floods in three villages, affecting more than 1000 people.
“If the drainage system is being done properly and the Penang Water Corporation (PBA) had built a pipe connecting the river to the dam, the water level of the dam can be increased and the people would not have to face the floods,”
Besides that, Shah Headan also said the source of water flowing into the dam had been compromised by land activities on the hill.
A check on one of the hillsides in the Teluk Bahang area, covering about 4.1 hectares, revealed it had been cleared for quarry activities.
Several rivers that provided water into the dam flowed through the hillside.
Previously during the rainy season, the water level in the dam would be about 70-80% full.
“We are now having only 43% of water in the dam and it is the rainy season. Imagine if it is the hot and dry season. We’ll be in grave danger.”
He added that if the issue was not addressed properly, Penang would face a water shortage in the near future.
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