Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 81, May 2026, pp. 43 – 56
Groundwater potential assessment for Penang mainland, Malaysia using remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS)
Bashir Agha-Musa, Ismail Ahmad Abir*, Khiri Abubakr Khalf, Abubakar Fahad
Geophysics Section, School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
*Corresponding author email address: iahmadabir@usm.my
Abstract: Penang mainland is identified as the most water-vulnerable region in Malaysia, with a substantial portion of its population dependent on agriculture, particularly rice cultivation. This reliance highlights the critical role of groundwater as an alternative water source, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of its potential. Despite its importance for sustainable land use and development planning, a systematic evaluation of groundwater potential in Penang mainland requires a more thorough investigation. Previous investigations have primarily focused on Penang Island, utilizing remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to assess groundwater prospects based on geological and geomorphological parameters derived from satellite data and geological maps. This study presents a preliminary attempt to map groundwater potential across Penang mainland, with a focus on supporting agricultural activities, particularly in paddy cultivation zones. The main objective is to delineate areas of high and low groundwater potential using an integrated approach that combines remote sensing and GIS technologies. This methodology offers a cost-effective solution that minimizes the need for direct field access. Thematic layers derived from Landsat 9 imagery and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data were analyzed and integrated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weighted overlay techniques. Key parameters incorporated include land cover, drainage density, lineament density, soil type, geology, slope, elevation, and geomorphology. The results identify areas such as Kampung Tamban, Taman Bertam, Seberang Perai, Taman Bukit Juru, and Kampung Kepala Gajah as having “Very Good” groundwater potential. Conversely, regions including Bukit Mertajam Forest Park, Kampung Pelet, Kampung Lima Kongsi, and Bukit Jawi are classified as having “Very Poor” groundwater potential.
Keywords: Groundwater potential, remote sensing, GIS, Landsat 9, AHP, hydrogeology, Penang
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Manuscript received 4 February 2025;
Received in revised form 18 April 2025;
Accepted 28 August 2025
Available online 29 May 2026
https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm81202605
0126-6187; 2637-109X / Published by the Geological Society of Malaysia.
© 2026 by the Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) License 4.0.
