GEORGE TOWN – The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has been urged to play a decisive role in resolving the spat between Penang and Kedah over the former’s right to access water coming from the Ulu Muda basin and flowing through its own borders.
Its former chairman Charles Santiago said that the commission needs to buck up by showing crucial leadership over the issue. The dispute threatens to ruin the economy of the neighbouring states if no proper solution is in place in the long term, he warned.
Investors would shun both states if basic requirements such as power and water are not handled properly, especially for the needs of the manufacturing sector.
Do remember that investors have the choice of many other countries who are eager to grab their capital, technology for transfer, and jobs that are created,” he said in an interview with The Vibes.
SPAN needs to look at the overall safety and security of the nation’s water resources, instead of allowing both states to bicker, he said in an interview today.
“Penang needs to find a solution to its long-term water resources needs, whereas Kedah must realise that thousands of its residents are employed in Penang,” said Santiago, who is the current MP for Klang.
“If Kedah continues to haggle over the issue, it is like spitting into the air. If Penang is made to suffer due to political bickering, Kedahans will also suffer, as thousands of them work in Penang’s electronic and electrical (E&E) industries here.”
Likewise, if both Kedah and Penang are deadlocked over water supply, the entire country would suffer if the economies of both states are at stake, he said.
Santiago said that the riparian rights are enjoyed by both Kedah and Penang.
“Although Ulu Muda is located in Kedah, Penang is allowed to take water from its shared boundary of the Sg Ulu Muda, which supplies 80% of the water needs for that state,” he said.
Ulu Muda also provides the majority of the water supply for Kedah together with Perlis, Santiago noted.
He also urged SPAN to help the Penang Water Authority Holdings in its water conservation campaign, especially among the factories in the E&E sector, which tends to use much water for its operations.
There is also a need to re-educate local households about using water sparingly, as the water wastage in Penang is among the highest in the nation, he said.
Santiago said this in commenting on Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor rejecting an idea to have a regional water authority for the Ulu Muda area as means to resolve the spat between Kedah and Penang.
Sanusi reportedly said that the proposed authority would be a form of interference in Kedah’s rights over land matters, especially forests.
He said Penang officials should not make demands by expecting others to sacrifice their resources. – The Vibes, September 13, 2022
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