Mengkuang Dam or Empangan Mengkuang

"Empangan Mengkuang" or called as Mengkuang dam is situated at Jalan Sungai lembu, Bukit Mertajam. It is one of the largest dam in Penang state. It is also a recreational place.We can access through (BKE) butterworth-kulim expressway and exit at Penanti.

It was built in 1982 and officially opened in 14th December, 1985 by Penang former Gavernor, Yang Dipertua Negeri Pulau Pinang TYT Tun Datuk Dr Haji Awang bin Hassan.

The dam is 3.9sq km. 24.7m in hieght. The capacity of water storage is 23,639 million litres. Actually is about 10 times of water storage capacity compare to Air Itam dam. The landscape is beautiful. Around that area you can see rubber trees, pine trees, pinang trees and so many beautiful plants....very natural forest.

It open 6 am to 7.30 pm daily and no entrance fees. Besides the dam, there is a car park, all the vehicles can go in. We can do a lot of activities there such as trakking, cycling, walking, jogging, kayaking, etc.. Penang annual dragon boat festival was held at that area too. It is very convinient. Anyway fishing is not allowed but sometimes you can see some local people doing that too.

Important message : It will be close from today onwards to public (August 1st, 2011 till July 31st, 2016) 5 years ! The new project is to enlarge the dam. The water capacity will increase to 3.8 times compare with currently one. The water will start to pump in through Sungai Muda.

Anyway ! See the Mengkuang dam in another five years time ! It will have another new look.