Declining Dam Levels in Penang Prompt Call for Cloud Seeding Operations

GEORGE TOWN, April 2 – The effective capacities of Penang’s two key dams – Teluk Bahang and Air Itam – have dropped significantly in the first quarter of 2025 due to insufficient rainfall at their respective catchment areas, according to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

PBAPP Chief Executive Officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the Teluk Bahang Dam stood at 47.3 percent capacity as of March 31, down from 61.7 percent on January 1, while the Air Itam Dam dropped to 55.7 percent, marking a sharp 21 percent decline.

“Although some rainfall was recorded at the Teluk Bahang catchment this year, it hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels,” he noted in a statement on Tuesday.

To manage the situation, PBAPP has limited daily water releases from both dams since the start of the year. This strategy, Pathmanathan explained, helped slow the decline in Teluk Bahang’s effective capacity to just 14.4 percent over 90 days, despite low rainfall.

At the Air Itam Dam, the situation is more severe. Since January 1, only 122 millimetres of rain have been recorded — the lowest in eight years for that catchment. However, PBAPP has managed to maintain water levels through its 2025 Air Itam Dam Action Plan.

Pathmanathan said PBAPP will continue to monitor both dams closely and may impose tighter controls on daily water releases, while striving to maintain uninterrupted water supply.
In response to the situation, PBAPP — with the support of the Penang state government — is seeking assistance from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to conduct cloud seeding operations over the affected catchments.

“We hope NADMA and RMAF will respond promptly, especially before Teluk Bahang’s capacity drops below 40 percent. This period between monsoons still offers cloud conditions suitable for seeding,” he added.

Pathmanathan also urged approximately 67,000 consumers in the affected service areas to use water wisely, highlighting that reduced consumption is a critical part of safeguarding the remaining reserves.

The Teluk Bahang Dam supplies areas including Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, and Tanjong Tokong, while the Air Itam Dam serves residents in Air Itam, Farlim, and Paya Terubong.

— BERNAMA