Kota bharu: The completion of the Chicha 2 Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Mukim Pasir Hor is poised to significantly improve access to clean water for more than 20,000 residents across the Kota Bharu area. The facility, designed to treat 20 million litres per day (MLD), is expected to become fully operational soon.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) chief executive officer Zulkiflee Omar announced that the plant was completed on schedule and is currently undergoing final testing and documentation. He emphasized that the project would alleviate water supply shortages, especially during the dry season and festive periods.
Construction of the RM54.98 million project began in 2024. Once operational, the plant will supply treated water to consumers in areas including Pasir Hor, Telipot, Kota Seribong, Mulong, and Tunjong. Zulkiflee highlighted PAAB's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, allocating RM45,000 to upgrade the water supply system at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Hor (SKPH), located next to the Chicha 2 WTP.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, PAAB has implemented initiatives such as installing rainwater harvesting tanks, constructing a greenhouse, providing recycling bins, upgrading the school meeting room, and installing smart televisions in select classrooms. These efforts aim to ensure that 513 students and 53 teachers at SKPH have a reliable supply of clean water throughout the school term.
Zulkiflee also noted the organisation of a Sustainability Awareness Forum in collaboration with the school and Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB). The forum seeks to enhance students' understanding of water-related issues, the water treatment process, and environmental conservation.
He underlined the objective of the Sustainability CSR programme, which is not only to improve the school's physical facilities but also to educate the younger generation and foster greater awareness of the importance of conserving clean water. The SKPH Parent-Teacher Association is encouraged to act as an agent of change by educating children on valuing clean water and adopting environmentally friendly practices at home.