Water Watch Penang (WWP), in collaboration with the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), successfully hosted the annual World Water Day celebration at Bukit Dumbar Recreational Park on May 25th, 2024. The event aimed to promote responsible water consumption, universal access to safe drinking water, and sustainable water management practices amongst Penangites and industries in Penang.
Themed “Save Water for Penang 2030,” the celebration highlighted the critical need for Penangites to conserve water for a long-term sustainable future. The state faces a high risk of water shortages due to its domestic water consumption exceeding the national average.
Distinguished guests, including Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow, WWP President, Prof Dr Chan Ngai Weng, and PBAPP Chief Executive Officer, Ir Pathmanathan Krishnan Kutty Raman Nair, officiated at the opening ceremony. This year’s event was also graced by the presence of prominent figures from the national water sector, including Chairman of SPAN Tuan Charles Santiago, Chairman of the Malaysian Water Association Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohd. Asari Daud, CEOs and General Managers from various state water companies, and the Director of the Irrigation and Drainage Department (JPS), Ir. Mr. Mohd. Nazri Yasmin.
WWP Chairman Prof Dr Chan delivered a welcome address, expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister and highlighting Penang’s water challenges and water-saving tips. Speeches followed by Ir Pathmanathan and YAB Chow further emphasized the importance of water conservation in Penang.
Following the speeches, attendees, including YAB Chow and other VIPs, toured informative booths from various stakeholders. The event also offered engaging activities for all ages, including a coloring and drawing competition, a ‘water guessing game’ and button badge making sessions.
The coloring and drawing competition saw the participation of over 140 children and teenagers (5-19 years old) from schools in Penang.
The celebration concluded with a prize-giving ceremony where WWP Chairman Prof Dr Chan and PBAPP Chief Executive Officer Ir Pathmanathan presented awards to the competition winners.
Ms. Suaida Binti Ibnu, the winner of Water Guessing Game, walked away with an Honor Tablet
The name of the following winners for coloring and drawing competition winners are as follow: Congratulations to these young talents!
Category A (5-6 years old):
Champion: Qurratul Umni Haniyya Binti Mohd Ridzuan (SK Convent Bukit Mertajam)
First Runner-up: Low Xin Tong (Tadika Rajawali)
Second Runner-up: Ooi Jay Na (Prince and Princess Kindergarten)
Category B (7-9 years old):
Champion: Mak Suen Wen (SJKC Chong Cheng)
First Runner-up: Alyssa Ang Wei San (SJKC Li Hwa)
Second Runner-up: Luke Chong Zhi Han (SJKC Chong Cheng)
Category C (10-12 years old):
Champion: Siah Pei Xuen (SJKC Chong Cheng)
First Runner-up: Shiela Lean Jie Chun (SJKC Han Chiang)
Second Runner-up: Ooi Joelle (SJKC Li Hwa)
Category D (13-15 years old):
Champion: Siah Pei Shan (SMK Bukit Jambul)
First Runner-up: Ooi Joey (SMJK Chung Ling Butterworth)
Second Runner-up: Seah Ru Anne (SMJK Union)
Category E (16-19 years old):
Champion: Gracelyn Loh Yi Thing (SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang)
First Runner-up: Chew Yu Qi (SMJK Heng Ee)
Second Runner-up: Ang Kok Huai (SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman)
Water Watch Penang would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our partners for being part of this event together in the exhibition:
1) Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang
2) Majlis Bandaraya Seberang Perai
3) Jabatan Alam Sekitar
4) Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara (SPAN)
5) D.O.E Industries Sdn Bhd
6) Salcon Engineering Berhad
7) River Engineering & Urban Drainage Research Center (REDAC Usm)
8) Malaysian Nature Society
9) Green Educators’ Workgroup (Grew)
10) School Of Humanities
11) Acs Usm International Student Chapter (American Chemical Society, USM)