GEORGE TOWN, June 16 -- A total of RM2.9 billion will be invested in 12 water supply projects across Penang over the next five years as the state prepares for a projected 34.3 per cent increase in water demand driven by industrial expansion, new townships and major infrastructure developments.

Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the projects, undertaken jointly by PBAPP and the federal government, are aimed at ensuring water supply remains sufficient to support Penang's economic growth through 2032.

"Penang's socioeconomic growth trajectory towards 2032 cannot be compromised, held back or delayed by insufficient water supply," he said at a press conference today after at...