Hawkers Stay Open During Water Shutdown By Thinking Ahead

A restaurant worker in Penang taking stored water from a barrel after a 4-day water supply shutdown began on Friday night. (Bernama pic)

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Many eateries have stayed open for business, using stored water, after a four-day water supply shutdown began yesterday. However, many car-wash operators have suspended business.

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 at his shop.

Shamsul said he and his staff had made preparations, based on the experience of a water supply disruption in January last year, by storing water, stocking up on mineral water, and using disposable utensils.

“In January last year, the water supply was restored after 24 hours. I hope it will be the same this time. However, we prepared in advance because we planned to keep the restaurant open during the four-day disruption,” he told Bernama today.

“In addition to mineral water, I also prepared plastic plates, cups, and bowls. So far, we are still using our regular plates, bowls, and cups because we still have water supply,” he said.

Halim Abdul Wahab, 54, owner of Warung D’kole in Sungai Bakap, near here, said his eatery is expected to face a water supply disruption of over 48 hours.

He has made preparations to keep his restaurant open for business as his customers’ homes were also affected by the water disruption.

His preparations included purchasing 10 large containers to store water, as well as stocking up on mineral water, plastic plates, cups and bowls. “I also provided plastic gloves for customers who prefer to eat with their hands,” he said.

Car-wash owner M Siva, 52, said he 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 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.

Penang Water Supply Corporation CEO K Pathmanathan said all 23 waterworks projects would be fully completed this evening.

He said 19 out of 23 projects were completed by 10.30am. The remaining four projects involve significant work, including the final connection of a pipeline across Sungai Perai at Ampang Jajar and another in Kampung Teluk.