Penang: Penang traders, particularly in the food and beverage (F and B) sector, facing a four-day scheduled water supply interruption (SWSI) starting yesterday, have taken measures to ensure their operations remain unaffected.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a survey found that the eateries have been storing water since last week, including using mineral water for cooking. Meanwhile, car wash operators temporarily closed their business as they could not meet their water supply needs.
Seberang Jaya restaurant owner Shamsul Munir Safini, 41, said he has continued to operate and had stocked up on water since last week to ensure customers could still dine. He said, based on the experience from last January’s water disruption, he and his staff had taken proactive measures. These included storing water, stocking up on mineral water, and using disposable utensils at his eatery.
The owner of Warung D’Kole restaurant in Sungai Bakap, near here, Mohamad Halim Abdul Wahab, 54, said his eatery is expected to face a water supply disruption of over 48 hours. He has made preparations to continue his business as usual. He is keeping his restaurant open for business as his customers preferred dining in as their homes were also affected by the water disruption.
Meanwhile, car wash owner M. Siva, 52, had to temporarily close his business because a lot of water is needed. He will reopen once the supply is restored. “We’re taking a day or two off, and once the water supply resumes, I’ll reopen. Anyway, at home in Sungai Bakap, we also have no water. However, we’ve been storing water for the past three days. I also bought mineral water for my wife to use for cooking,” he said.
The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said all markets and food complexes managed by the local authority have been equipped with water tanks holding a 2,271-litre capacity and are being monitored regularly. Meanwhile, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said they expect all 23 waterworks projects under the SWSI, which began at 10 pm last night, to be fully completed by 4 pm today.