BUKIT MERTAJAM: Mengkuang Dam has been closed by the Health Ministry for seven days as a a precautionary measure after it was swarmed by a large crowd over the weekend.

       According to the notice under Section 18(1)(d) of the Prevention And Control Of Infectious Disease Act 1988, authorities believe that there exist conditions likely to lead to an outbreak or spread of Covid-19. The notice was issued on Wednesday (Sept 15).

       On Sunday (Sept 12), a large crowd was seen queuing up to enter the dam area for recreational activities despite strict standard operating procedures enforced within the dam by Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP).

       Mengkuang Dam together with Air Itam Dam, Bukit Dumbar Recreation Park and Teluk Bahang Dam, which are all under the supervision of PBAPP were opened to visitors for recreational activities on July 10 after Penang moved to phase two of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).