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BATU KAWAN: The water level at the Air Itam Dam on Penang island has decreased to 66.7 percent, but it is still sufficient to supply water for up to 66 days, including during the scheduled four-day water supply disruption in the state starting January 10. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that the significant decrease is attributed to a recent pipe leakage incident in Sungai Perai, Butterworth, as it required an increased production of treated water from the Air Itam Reservoir compared to the usual amount. "It is found that the current water level at the Air Itam Dam is 66.7 percent, and I was informed that the incident in Sungai Perai caused a decline compared to the previous water level of 83 percent because the production of treated water was around 22 million litres per day (MLD) before this. "However, during the pipe leakage incident, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) had to increase the production of treated water from the Air Itam Reservoir to 40 MLD due to disrupted supply in several areas at that time, to be distributed to those experiencing water supply problems. "It is expected that the water percentage at the Air Itam Dam will continue to decrease to 57 percent in the coming week, during the scheduled water supply disruption, as PBAPP needs to extract more water for treatment from there for distribution to affected residents until January 15," he told reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the Capstone Business Suite project here today. Chow said this when asked to comment on the decrease in the water level at the Air Itam Dam, which is seen as significant compared to two weeks ago. Commenting further, Chow stated that, as of now, the state government does not plan to request cloud seeding operations due to the reduction in the water level at the Air Itam Reservoir because it has not reached a critical level. "It is not easy to carry out cloud seeding; it needs to take into account many factors, and I also feel that it has not reached a critical level. However, I urge the residents in this state to continue to conserve water, especially approaching the Chinese New Year, which is usually a dry season," he said. A total of 590,000 water users, including non-domestic consumers, are expected to be affected by the water supply supply disruption due to the closure of the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to make way for the replacement of two damaged 1,200-millimeter valves. PBAPP announced that the scheduled disruption for 96 hours will start at 6 am on January 10 and end at 6 am on January 14, and also involves other ancillary works at 22 locations across Penang. - Bernama

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06.01.25 12:15

by thesun.my

EXAL Group to redraw Malaysian real estate landscape with green housing and smar...

PETALING JAYA: EXAL Group is spearheading a transformative shift in Malaysia’s real estate landscape with its commitment to sustainable housing and smart city integration. Managing director Albert Ko said the group is actively contributing to the Kuching Smart City Master Plan through its flagship project, SOL Estate.“EXAL’s mission is to create living spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also people-focused. “With SOL Estate, we’re taking a major step forward in shaping the future of housing in Malaysia, blending sustainability with innovation to support smarter urban living,” he told SunBiz.He said SOL Estate embodies EXAL’s commitment to sustainability through low-carbon construction methods, modular designs, and eco-friendly building materials. “These features reduce waste and energy consumption during construction while allowing for customisable living spaces that meet diverse family needs. Our modular housing approach not only minimises environmental impact but also allows us to deliver homes faster and more efficiently. This is particularly appealing to environmentally-conscious homeowners and investors.”Aligned with the Kuching Smart City Master Plan, Ko said, SOL Estate integrates sustainable urban planning with technology-driven solutions. “The project focuses on creating community-centric neighbourhoods with features like shared green spaces, renewable energy solutions and smart infrastructure for energy and water management.“Smart cities are about improving quality of life through sustainable practices and advanced technologies. With SOL Estate, we are not just building homes, we are creating intelligent ecosystems where people and nature coexist harmoniously,” he said.Ko added that EXAL leverages cutting-edge green technologies to enhance sustainability and efficiency in its developments. The SOL Estate features integrated renewable energy systems such as solar panels and energy-efficient building materials that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. “Smart water management systems and rainwater harvesting technology are utilised to conserve water, while passive cooling designs reduce energy needs for air conditioning. Our use of green technology ensures that SOL Estate is not only eco-friendly but also offers long-term cost savings for residents. It is a practical demonstration of how modern technology can support sustainable urban living,” he said.On attracting sustainable investments, Ko said EXAL is tapping into the growing demand for environmental, social and governance-compliant and syariah-compliant investments in real estate. “Our innovative housing projects offer attractive opportunities for investors seeking both financial returns and long-term environmental impact. Investors today are increasingly focused on sustainability. Our developments align perfectly with these priorities, making EXAL an ideal partner for green investment opportunities,” he added.Looking ahead, Ko said EXAL plans to expand its green housing concept to other regions...