Gua Musang Water Woes End as RM70 Million Treatment Plant Becomes Fully Operational

Residents in Gua Musang, Malaysia, are celebrating the end of a two-decade-long struggle for reliable water supply with the full operation of the RM70.76 million Bukit Chupak Water Treatment Plant (LRA). The facility, which began operating at the end of April, marks a significant milestone in addressing the chronic water shortage issues that have plagued the district for nearly 20 years.

The new plant boasts a capacity of 10 million liters per day and now supplies treated water to key areas, including Bandar Utama, Bandar Lama, Taman Wangsa Mewangi, and surrounding villages. Its commissioning has also improved the water supply margin to at least five percent, a substantial increase from the previous zero margin, thereby stabilizing water pressure and distribution across the affected regions. This upgrade is expected to bring a major change to the daily lives of residents who have long endured difficulties in accessing clean water.

Equipped with modern technologies, the Bukit Chupak LRA features a flexible low-level spillway system capable of raising river water levels by up to 0.75 meters, ensuring sufficient raw water intake, especially during dry seasons. Furthermore, the implementation of an automated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system allows for centralized monitoring and control of operations, enhancing efficiency and guaranteeing the quality of the water supply. These advancements are crucial for maintaining a consistent and reliable service.

Datuk Seri Ir. Jaseni Maidinsa, Chairman of Air Berhad (PAAB), expressed PAAB's commitment to undertaking further water development projects in Kelantan to ensure long-term water supply security. Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd. Nassuruddin Daud acknowledged PAAB's efforts, highlighting ongoing projects like the Non-Revenue Water (NRW) National Program and pipe replacement initiatives totaling RM75 million. Future plans include refurbishing existing treatment plants and constructing new pipelines, with a goal to fully resolve recurring water crises and provide stable, clean, and quality water to the public by 2030.