THE Penang executive council recently approved the setting up of a new Water Resources Authority (WRA) via the upgrading of the Penang Water Regulatory Division.
It will be done through an enactment likely at the next state legislative assembly sitting.
State exco Zairil Khir Johari, who oversees the infrastructure portfolio, said the enactment will detail five main duties of the authority.
They are managing and protecting water resources; the efficient use of water resources; conservation efforts; enforcement and persecution, he said in a statement.
"Through this authority, the state can manage water resources comprehensively and seek the necessary specialisation to sustain effective water supply."
The authority will allow the state to increase its scope on preventing pollution, and protecting water resources better by licensing operators and owners, including ensuring safe extraction of water while providing quality water.
It is learnt that the state will now consider recycling waste water, and zero discharge of effluents as incentives to its thriving manufacturing sector and water conservation to cope with the consequences of climate change.
Penang has experienced longer stretches of drought while its rainfall now triggers stronger winds than usual, flash flooding, landslides and traffic congestion.
The move for a new authority comes after the past three years of major disruptions, as land clearing also causes water turbidity from the main raw water intake at Sungai Muda where the state has a dispute with Kedah over the rights. - October 29, 2024.
