In a statement, PBAPP CEO K Pathmanathan said underwater welding works on the pipe would commence today, requiring the pipeline to be shut down.

The disruption will affect consumers in parts of Seberang Perai and the entire southwest district of the Penang Island.

Pathmanathan said a diving team found a hole measuring about 20cm by 30cm on the pipeline’s surface last night. Specialists will repair the pipeline by welding a 60cm by 60cm steel plate over the ruptured section.

“Please note that the welding work must be carried out underwater, about 3.5m below the river surface. The contractor will determine the best time to start work considering light conditions for visibility and river conditions for safety,” he added.

PBAPP will publicise the affected areas at a later date, he said.

The burst pipe is a major pipeline that delivers treated water from the Sungai Dua water treatment plant to the Third Penang Twin Submarine pipelines, which span from Butterworth in Seberang Perai Utara to the Macallum area on the island.

Pathmanathan said that as the shut down was unscheduled, the state water operator was unable to issue advanced notice.

However, PBAPP notified consumers through Facebook at 12.30am this morning to store water.

“PBAPP apologises for all inconvenience caused. We will provide updates regularly on Facebook today.

“We will publicise the projected duration of this unscheduled water supply interruption once we have a firm commitment from the specialist contractor on the schedule of work today.”

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