THE Perak-Penang water deal involves the sale of treated water by Perak to Penang and it is impractical for the treatment plant to be in Penang, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the water needs to be treated in Perak before being sold to Penang.
“Initially, the focus of the Penang government was to obtain raw water from Perak.
“However, after several rounds of negotiations and correspondence with Perak, the Penang government did not receive a positive response regarding the purchase of raw water.
“Nevertheless, Perak is willing to sell treated water to Penang. When the sale involves treated water, it must be clarified that the water needs to be treated in Perak before being sold to Penang, and it is impractical for the water treatment plant to be in Penang,” he highlighted in his winding-up speech on the Penang Budget 2024 at the Penang Legislative Assembly today.
Chow said the state government had no other option but to explore all available sources to reduce the high dependence on water from Sungai Muda.
“The prevalence of numerous mud floods has significantly disrupted water access for thousands of users. Consequently, the acquisition of treated water from Perak emerges as a crucial and serious option that warrants careful consideration by the Penang government.
Referring to the supplementary question by Mohd Yusni Mat Piah (PN – Penaga), Chow said the state government, through the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), is continually exploring new potential water supply sources for the state.
“However, feasibility studies must first be conducted to study the quality and quantity of these sources, ensuring they are suitable to be used as a water source,” Chow explained.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar