THE Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry (KATS) is studying the suitable model for the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme (SPRWTS).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said negotiation has started and the ministry was looking at which model was the most feasible.
“Raw water assets such as dams and pipes are under the responsibility of the Federal Government.
“We will await the study by the ministry. Hopefully six months or so for the ministry to finalise the model – whether to supply raw or treated water to Penang, or a hybrid model,” Chow told a press conference after launching the Penang2030 guide at Loft 29 today.
He added that the ministry had also received proposals which suggested private finance initiative (PFI).
Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu was reportedly saying that Perak would only sell treated water to Penang.
Chow said the state government respected the view of the Perak Mentri Besar.
“He was just reiterating the stand of the Perak state all this while,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa had written to the Department of Water Supply of KATS to recommend the study options for the SPRWTS.
The letter, dated April 8, recommended the ministry to study the raw water for Penang, treated water for Penang as well as a hybrid model.
The proposed hybrid model suggested two options – raw water to Bukit Merah Reservoir and Penang, whilst treated water for northern Perak; or raw water to Bukit Merah Reservoir, and treated water to Penang and northern Perak.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad and Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Alissala Thian