PENANG Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has expressed hopes that a water deal with Perak can be inked this year.
When asked about Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad’s response that the water deal cannot be conducted this year as there are various processes to go through, Chow said it would be a great start to sign an agreement within this year.
Saarani had said the water agreement hinged on obtaining approval of an allocation from the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry to construct the water treatment plant in Kerian. He was then asked to comment on Chow’s statement that the deal should be expedited to ensure Penang’s long-term security.
Last year, Perak had agreed to sell treated water to Penang following a meeting between the state secretaries.
“If we can just come to signing a water agreement within this year, it will be a big breakthrough.
“We all know that the project will take six to eight years to be completed. But I hope that the three parties – Perak, Penang and the ministry or related stakeholders – can agree within this year.
“All the construction activities will be done in Perak, near our border, and we (Penang), as water consumers, will discuss matters such as tariff determination, water quantity requirements, delivery schedules and other relevant details,” Chow said in response to a question by a reporter after launching the Penang Internet Exchange at Jen By Shangri-La Hotel in George Town today.
Chow added that after the deal is signed, additional processes, including tendering, and technical and construction issues, could be initiated.
He said he believed that a survey had already been conducted to outline the project’s implementation plan.
While Penang has requested 700 million litres of water per day, Saarani said it would depend on sufficient domestic water supply.
Under the Penang Water Contingency Plan 2030, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) intends to spend RM1.18 billion for the upcoming years to increase the state’s water supply to 602 million litres per day.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad