Water Watch Penang

On November 29, 2023, Water Watch Penang (WWP) successfully implemented the ‘Negalitres for Schools’ River and Water Education Programme at SJKC Chong Kuang. The program involved 34 students and 1 teacher and took place from 7:40 am to 9:10 am.

Mr. Hanson Yeoh, the WWP Programme Officer, along with assistance from volunteer Ms. Yeoh Zhi Ru, began the session with a presentation covering the organization’s history, objectives, and past projects. Subsequently, the students explored global, national, and local water crises, with a focus on Penang as a water-scarce state, highlighting that its primary water source is Sungai Muda in Kedah. As SJKC Chong Kuang is from the Seberang Perai Selatan (Southern) District, Mr. Hanson also highlighted water disruption issues in the area at Taman Seruling Emas and Taman Widuri. He stressed the importance of using water wisely in the affected area to ensure better water pressure. Overall, ensuring water security requires a collective effort from everyone.

On November 8th, 2023, Water Watch Penang (WWP) successfully conducted the “Negalitres for Schools” River and Water Education Program at SK Teluk Kumbar. More than 300 students (ranging from Standard 4 to Standard 6) and 10 teachers, including Teacher Coordinator Cikgu Nishan Baharum (Shawn), attended this program from 11:30 am to 1:20 pm.

Water Watch Penang (WWP) Executive Manager Dr. Hong Chern Wern, with assistance from CGSS USM intern Durgadewi Thurairaj, initiated the program by outlining the organization’s goals, background, and accomplishments. The students were then briefed about the global water situation, with a focus on the challenges African countries face in obtaining clean water. The discussion then shifted to local and national water challenges, with particular emphasis on Penang. To pique the students’ interest further, Dr. Hong Chern Wern asked if Penang had an abundance of access to raw fresh water. Initially, the students believed that Penang had abundant water resources. However, when Dr. Hong Chern Wern disclosed that the Muda River in Kedah that flows into Penang, provides a substantial 80% of Penang’s water, their astonishment became apparent.

Water Watch Penang (WWP) successfully executed the ‘Negalitres for Schools’ River and Water Education Programme at SJKC Kong Min Pusat on November 1st, 2023.The programme involved 33 Standard 6 students and 1 teacher, taking place from 12:50 pm to 1:20 pm.

Hanson Yeoh, the WWP Programme Officer, along with support from the Executive Manager, Dr. Hong Chern Wern, commenced the session by presenting the organization’s history, objectives, and previous projects. Subsequently, the students were introduced to the global water crisis, with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by African nations in accessing clean water, using the storybook “The Water Princess” as a narrative tool.