Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has warned senior officials in the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) of the sack if false information is given out about water stocks in Penang.

Lim said the false information involves water in dams and possible imposition of water rationing in March this year.

“This shows how serious and committed the state  is toward dealing with the severe drought season afflicting peninsular Malaysia in ensuring that there is no disruption in water supply as well as in the daily lives of 1.6 million Penangites and investors,” Lim said in a statement.

“I have warned PBAPP senior officials that should Penang have to undergo water rationing next month, then they have to face the ultimate price of being sacked,” he added.

Lim said daily briefings given by PBAPP, senior officials have given assurances that there is adequate water, with the Air Itam Dam at 70 percent capacity and Teluk Bahang Dam at 90 percent capacity.

The capacity at the Mengkuang Dam is currently at 50 percent, due to ongoing construction works.

He added that PBAPP officials had assured him that there is no water shortage and no need for water rationing even if the rains do not fall in March.

“This will be a test of the professionalism and effectiveness of PBAPP’s water demand management,” Lim said.

“As the top water supply operator in the country that is not only the most efficient and the lowest non-revenue water at 17.6 percent compared to the national average of 34 percent, has allowed Penangites to enjoy the lowest water tariffs in Malaysia,” he added.

However, Lim said it was unfortunate that PBAPP’s efficiency and lowest water tariffs has also caused Penangites to waste water the most, with the highest consumption of 302 litres per person per day as compared to the national consumption average of 213.

He added that if the rains do not come by late March, an evaluation will be held on April 1 to determine whether there is any need for water rationing.

Penangites and the important business and manufacturing community are assured that they can go about their daily lives undisturbed but are reminded to conserve water.

Important role as an enabler

Meanwhile, in another development, Lim said the government plays an important role as an enabler between the manufacturing and services sectors.

The government must also invest and innovate where the former must invest in infrastructure, people, incentives and subsidies.

“The government must also innovate with new policies that stress on liberalisation of the existing rules and to reduce red-tape, divestment from non-core businesses or accept that the business of government is to stay out of business,” Lim said.

“The government must permit free and fair competition; and encourage human capital formation where human talent is now the new oil of the global economy,” he added.

Lim said this in conjunction with Penang launching the long-awaited business process outsourcing hub to be opened by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Saturday.