Penang Introduces Prihatin To Tackle Water Infrastructure Issues

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) and the State Housing Board (LPNPP) have established the Water Infrastructure Maintenance Intervention Programme (PRIHATIN) to tackle issues related to water infrastructure facilities in the state's low-cost housing schemes.

Penang Infrastructure, Transport, and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), PBAPP has allocated RM4 million to support the initiative.

"One of the critical issues faced in low-cost flats is ageing water infrastructure, including leaking water tanks, rusty or clogged main pipes, pump system failures and inadequate water pressure.

"Problems between Joint Management Bodies (JMBs) and residents, for example, are among the causes of poor maintenance of the infrastructure, leading to an increased risk of water supply disruptions and wastage.  The state government is aware of the areas needing assistance, which is why PRIHATIN was created," he said at a press conference today.

Zairil said a committee was also set up two months ago to coordinate the programme's implementation and will be chaired by him as well as the LPNPP, alongside the Penang Island City Council, Seberang Perai City Council and PBAPP, with each agency playing a specific role according to its jurisdiction and expertise to ensure every issue is dealt with systematically, quickly and effectively.

He said PRIHATIN is being implemented based on the model established by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, specifically through the Housing Maintenance Programme and the Malaysian Housing Maintenance Fund.

Under this framework, LPNPP will conduct repairs on water infrastructure in public housing schemes, while local authorities will coordinate repair work in private low-cost housing schemes.

"The scope of work under PRIHATIN covers various types of water infrastructure repairs, including repairs and replacement of existing water tanks and pipes, as well as other related maintenance works.

“For new constructions, this may involve installing suction tanks or building pump houses, but feasibility will depend on the results of technical inspections and formal approval from the local authorities," he said.

He added that applications for the programme can be submitted through the respective State Assemblymen, with each application undergoing screening and assessment by the committee before approval is granted.

Applications must also meet specific criteria and conditions, including that projects must be under public or private low-cost housing schemes, where the original unit price is RM100,000 or below, with a maximum allocation of RM200,000 for each approved project.

"In addition, the housing scheme must have an active and registered JMB or Management Corporation (MC) in line with the Strata Management Act 2013. If there is no JMB or MC, approval will be given on the condition that the housing scheme sets up a JMB or MC within three months, with assistance from the Commissioner of Buildings (COB) and the local authority," he said.

Zairil said five housing schemes have been approved under the first phase of implementation, namely Desa Permai Indah Flats, Desa Pantai Indah Flats, Taman Bagan Flats, Green Garden Flats, and Desa Wangsa Flats.

"The State Government will continue to closely monitor each project to ensure that the results meet the targets and deliver long-term benefits. Additionally, we will consider expanding the programme to include more housing schemes in the next phase, depending on the effectiveness of the initial implementation and our current financial capacity," he said.

--BERNAMA