GEORGE TOWN – The Penang and Perak state governments have agreed to refer the Sg Perak Raw Water Distribution Scheme (SPRWTS) plan to the Environment and Water Ministry on reaching a final decision.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the decision was made as a result of discussions with both parties at the Perak menteri besar’s office on Tuesday.
“However, in anticipation of the final decision on the SPRWTS project (which has been delayed for 11 years) and to ensure the state’s water supply is always adequate, the Penang Water Supply Corporation has drawn up a contingency plan, Penang Water Supply Initiative 2050,” he said in a statement today.
Commenting on the meeting, Chow said Penang once again reiterated its request to Perak to explore the potential of Sg Perak as a long-term supply of raw water.
However, he said, Perak responded that its state is also facing problems with of lack of raw water supply for the use of various sectors such as industry, commercial, agriculture and residential residents, especially in the northern part of Perak.
“The menteri besar of Perak also concluded that Penang’s demand is dependent on the adequacy of water supply from Sg Perak before any considerations can be made.”
Chow said Penang took note of the argument given by Perak, and at the same time the argument proves that the SPRWTS project is very much needed not only by Penang but also Perak, especially in the northern part of the state.
“Based on these factors, Penang is trying to convince Perak that the SPRWTS project needs to be implemented in order to meet the needs and demands of the two states.”
Earlier, the media reported that the Perak government had not yet made a decision on the sale of raw water to Penang as proposed under the SPRWTS.
SPRWTS involves the proposed water diversion project from Sg Perak to Sg Kerian with the implementation to be made through the private financing initiative method.
Chow was previously reported to have said that Penang will need alternative water sources by 2025 to 2030, and a proposal to start SPRWTS discussions had been made since 2019. – The Vibes, March 3, 2022
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