GEORGE TOWN – Penang will press ahead with plans to source raw water supply from neighbouring Perak as there is enough to share between the two states, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He said even though Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad was firm about not supplying raw water to Penang under the proposed Sg Perak Raw Water Transfer System Scheme (SPRWTS), Penang will pursue the matter based on information in a study.
Chow cited a study by the Water and Environment Ministry last September, which showed that Perak has the capacity to supply raw water to Penang, as the resources and catchment areas there are adequate to meet the demand of both states.
He expressed surprise why Saarani did not refer to this study which was made available to both the Penang and Perak governments.
“This is why Penang remains optimistic of clinching a deal which is a win-win for both neighbours,” said Chow today after an event involving the Penang Hindu Endowment Board.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I P. Ramasamy, Bagan Dalam assemblyman M. Satees, and other state officials.
The proposed SPRWTS will see Penang paying Perak for taking raw water from Sg Perak and in return provide treated water to the northern parts of its neighbour.
“If we do not proceed with the transfer system, millions of litres of raw water would instead flow into the open sea from Sg Perak,” Chow said.
He added that Saraani should study the ministry’s report.
Chow was responding to Saraani’s remarks yesterday that Perak is sticking to its decision not to supply raw water from Sg Perak to Penang, even though Perak is now run by a joint-Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan (PH) state government. Penang is a PH state.
Saarani said the decision had nothing to do with politics but the fact that Sg Perak’s capacity for water supply was only sufficient for Perak’s use, including for its industrial sector.
Chow said Penang is willing to accept a reduced amount of water at about 700 million litres daily (MLD) from Perak instead of the original 1,000 MLD.
Penang now has to prepare to face an acute shortage of raw water resources by 2050, he added.
Penang is currently dependent on 1,200 MLD from Kedah’s Sg Muda although that supply is now in question due to the Kedah government’s insistence on the island state paying compensation for drawing water from the river. – The Vibes, December 2, 2022
