KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor state government may be in for a legal tussle against a Pakatan Rakyat colleague if they refuse to reveal the findings involving the existence of heavy metal content in water from former mining pools in Bestari Jaya.
Klang MP Charles Santiago (pix) said studies by Universiti Malaya (UM) in the past few years show that the pools contained dangerous levels of heavy metal and is not safe for use.
The state government had utilised water from former mining pools to supplement raw water supply during the dry season in March this year and insisted that it had been tested and is safe for use. Santiago, however, pointed out that the water was tested for rat poisoning, and not heavy metal.
He demanded that the test results be released to refute UM's findings or he will take the state government to court.
“I have repeatedly urged the state to make the test results public, but they have repeated the same mantra, that the water was tested negative.
“Then are you saying that the academics had wasted their time doing the numerous tests and that their test results are flawed?” Santiago said.
He reiterated that the academics at UM have consistently reported contamination in the ex-mining catchment pond there.
Similarly, the Health Ministry had asked the Selangor government to not use the water from the ex-mining pool.
“In fact, the UM analysis demonstrated that the heavy metal concentration in these ponds exceed the permissible limits set by the Malaysian National Water Quality Standards,” Santiago told reporters in Parliament today.
He added that the study involved 15 sampling stations, which also showed high levels of heavy metal concentration in the water, soil, plants and fish.
“The heavy metals mentioned in the study include arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, zinc and tin.
“This water, if consumed, can lead to cancer, kidney disease, neurotic disorder, anaemia, lung scarring, diabetes and so on,” he added.
He said he is doing this in the interest of the people and the spirit of transparency and good governance.
“If this fails to get the attention of the state government, I will be left with no choice but to seek legal redress,” Santiago said.
Karen Arukesamy, The Sun
Promoting Thinking Minds Via Rational Rationale
Showing posts with label Water. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water. Show all posts
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Saturday, 10 May 2014
Health Ministry calls for halt to using mining pool water
SEGAMAT: The Health Ministry has urged the Selangor government to stop sourcing water from former mining pools.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said he would pursue the matter with the Selangor Water Board and the state government. “Although tests on the quality of water from mining pools have shown it to be safe, the public is still not happy. There has been an overwhelming negative reaction in view of the perception that the water was polluted by a variety of toxins and dangerous substances.” Dr Subramaniam said the state government should note that the water levels in dams in Selangor had gone up and it could provide clean water supply to the people.
Meanwhile, Klang member of parliament Charles Santiago of DAP had ridiculed the Selangor Water Management Authority’s (Luas) threat to take legal action against those who questioned the quality of water.
This was following a New Straits Times front page report detailing high level of toxins and heavy metal content in mining pools in Bestari Jaya, which had been identified by the state as an alternative source of water.
The story had prompted Luas to threaten legal action against the paper.
“I find such intimidating statements irresponsible, especially coming from state-linked agencies tasked with a social responsibility. It is ironic how an agency dedicated to manage water sources can dismiss years of academic research and findings of experts in the field, whose research has been published in reputable journals,” Santiago wrote in his blog yesterday.
He also called on the Selangor government to make public the Health Ministry's study on whether water supplied from the eight ex-mining ponds met Malaysian Water Quality Standards, adding that recent research showed that heavy metals had contaminated Bestari Jaya mining pools.
"Transferring water from these mining ponds to Sungai Selangor amounts to polluting the river.
"Even treatment plants cannot treat or clean heavy metal or toxic pollution.
"This has implications on public health," he wrote.
In another blog posting, Santiago said a study entitled "Study of Water Quality and Heavy Metals in Soil & Water of Ex-Mining Area Bestari Jaya, Peninsular Malaysia" conducted in June 2010 suggested that most of physio-chemical parameters and metals concentration found in Bestari Jaya exceeded the limits set in the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The authors note with alarm, the level of degradation in the quality of water and severe heavy metal pollution in Bestari Jaya mining pond.
"This spawns a major environmental challenge to the ecosystem and pollution possibilities to Sungai Selangor, the end recipients," he wrote.
Another study in 2012 concluded that Bestari Jaya mining pools had between moderate to very high levels of heavy metal pollution, posing high environmental and health risks.
Santiago questioned Luas' hesitance in providing credible analysis to refute the findings of the researchers.
"In fact, the agency had not publicly disclosed (the) Health Ministry's certification that mine pond water from the eight ponds conforms to the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"And there is no evidence indicating that Luas has treated and rehabilitated the various mine ponds over the years to suggest that mine water is safe for human consumption."
He said the agencies' inability to assuage public fears through credible explanations and evidence showed weaknesses, adding that threats in the form of suits undermines public confidence in the agency.
"Therefore, Luas has no basis in issuing threats with the view to intimidate the public and stakeholders from raising concerns of public health."
He urged the state government to instruct Luas to reveal whether the heavy metal content found in the pools met Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The agency has to publicly disclose (the) Health Ministry's certification. If it fails to do so, then Luas must be subjected to public scrutiny, including law suits."
Meanwhile, Luas said it would issue a statement on Monday
New Straits Times
Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said he would pursue the matter with the Selangor Water Board and the state government. “Although tests on the quality of water from mining pools have shown it to be safe, the public is still not happy. There has been an overwhelming negative reaction in view of the perception that the water was polluted by a variety of toxins and dangerous substances.” Dr Subramaniam said the state government should note that the water levels in dams in Selangor had gone up and it could provide clean water supply to the people.
Meanwhile, Klang member of parliament Charles Santiago of DAP had ridiculed the Selangor Water Management Authority’s (Luas) threat to take legal action against those who questioned the quality of water.
This was following a New Straits Times front page report detailing high level of toxins and heavy metal content in mining pools in Bestari Jaya, which had been identified by the state as an alternative source of water.
The story had prompted Luas to threaten legal action against the paper.
“I find such intimidating statements irresponsible, especially coming from state-linked agencies tasked with a social responsibility. It is ironic how an agency dedicated to manage water sources can dismiss years of academic research and findings of experts in the field, whose research has been published in reputable journals,” Santiago wrote in his blog yesterday.
He also called on the Selangor government to make public the Health Ministry's study on whether water supplied from the eight ex-mining ponds met Malaysian Water Quality Standards, adding that recent research showed that heavy metals had contaminated Bestari Jaya mining pools.
"Transferring water from these mining ponds to Sungai Selangor amounts to polluting the river.
"Even treatment plants cannot treat or clean heavy metal or toxic pollution.
"This has implications on public health," he wrote.
In another blog posting, Santiago said a study entitled "Study of Water Quality and Heavy Metals in Soil & Water of Ex-Mining Area Bestari Jaya, Peninsular Malaysia" conducted in June 2010 suggested that most of physio-chemical parameters and metals concentration found in Bestari Jaya exceeded the limits set in the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The authors note with alarm, the level of degradation in the quality of water and severe heavy metal pollution in Bestari Jaya mining pond.
"This spawns a major environmental challenge to the ecosystem and pollution possibilities to Sungai Selangor, the end recipients," he wrote.
Another study in 2012 concluded that Bestari Jaya mining pools had between moderate to very high levels of heavy metal pollution, posing high environmental and health risks.
Santiago questioned Luas' hesitance in providing credible analysis to refute the findings of the researchers.
"In fact, the agency had not publicly disclosed (the) Health Ministry's certification that mine pond water from the eight ponds conforms to the Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"And there is no evidence indicating that Luas has treated and rehabilitated the various mine ponds over the years to suggest that mine water is safe for human consumption."
He said the agencies' inability to assuage public fears through credible explanations and evidence showed weaknesses, adding that threats in the form of suits undermines public confidence in the agency.
"Therefore, Luas has no basis in issuing threats with the view to intimidate the public and stakeholders from raising concerns of public health."
He urged the state government to instruct Luas to reveal whether the heavy metal content found in the pools met Malaysian Water Quality Standards.
"The agency has to publicly disclose (the) Health Ministry's certification. If it fails to do so, then Luas must be subjected to public scrutiny, including law suits."
Meanwhile, Luas said it would issue a statement on Monday
New Straits Times
Thursday, 8 May 2014
MOH to verify English daily's report on water in Selangor
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry will seek verification on allegations published in an English daily that water sourced from mining pools was not safe for consumption before taking any action.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix) said the Selangor state government had come up with their own analysis to dispute the claim and the Health Ministry would also have to determine the truth.
He said the ministry's health officers will be monitoring heavy metal content in raw water supply on a weekly basis to ensure that the water is not hazardous for consumption.
More to follow from The Sun
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam (pix) said the Selangor state government had come up with their own analysis to dispute the claim and the Health Ministry would also have to determine the truth.
He said the ministry's health officers will be monitoring heavy metal content in raw water supply on a weekly basis to ensure that the water is not hazardous for consumption.
More to follow from The Sun
Monday, 5 May 2014
Selangor water management at fault
PETALING JAYA: Selangor would not be struggling with a water crisis if Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) had done their job and had distributed water correctly.
Retired water engineer, A Somnath, 84, has had more than 45 years of experience in the planning, construction, operations and maintenance of water supply in the state of Selangor.
He insists that the current management of Selangor’s water supply do not have the basic knowledge or the experience in how to manage their operations properly.
“Most of them lack knowledge and experience in this particular discipline. They have made wrong estimations and most likely have not followed the proper guidelines in the overall operations of a dam or a water treatment plant (WTP),” he told FMT here today.
“These days there is no universality in the way a dam or WTP is planned and executed.”
“Back then everyone followed the guidelines I had drawn up and we never had any major hiccup because everything was handled professionally,” he said.
Somnath retired in 1985 but continued working as a consultant for another 10 years with a private engineering company. Till today, he has not stopped updating his notes and keeping a close eye on the latest water developments and issues.
He pointed out that Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were the only states facing the problem and hinted that the people in charge of managing the water supply are the one’s who need to be questioned.
“I have virtually overseen the construction and operation of almost 30 WTP’s. This, so far, is the worst management system I’ve ever seen,” he chided.
The Sungai Tinggi and Sungai Selangor dams have a combined full capacity of 75 billion gallons of water.
“Syabas should have taken into account the climate changes, rainfall levels and the increase in domestic water consumption, to be able to distribute the water correctly.”
“If this had been done, we would not be in this predicament. It is the distributor’s responsibility to make sure that every household in Selangor has enough water, equally,” he said.
He added that all dam or WTP designers and planners need to conduct a risk analysis study to ensure that the facilities will continue to work perfectly, years into the future.
“It is a must! Predictions of water consumption, climate change, the volume of raw water availability and so on must be taken into account before the construction of these facilities,” he stressed.
The failure to do so, according to Somnath, is what has contributed to the current water supply management failure.
Over the past four years, Somnath had written to the state government forewarning them of the impending water shortage from the Sungai Selangor source and his warnings were ignored by the authorities.
“I wrote to them and received replies, but nobody bothered to conduct an investigation. Now, see what has happened,” he said.
When the predicted drought season hits in June, the rakyat will most probably need to depend on water from the dams.
If the Sungai Selangor dam which provides about 60% of Selangor’s water supply dries up, Somnath says that people “will have to move elsewhere.”
“That is the worst case scenario. Where are we going to get water, if, during the drought season, Sungai Selangor dam dries up?” he asked.
Free Malaysia Today
Retired water engineer, A Somnath, 84, has had more than 45 years of experience in the planning, construction, operations and maintenance of water supply in the state of Selangor.
He insists that the current management of Selangor’s water supply do not have the basic knowledge or the experience in how to manage their operations properly.
“Most of them lack knowledge and experience in this particular discipline. They have made wrong estimations and most likely have not followed the proper guidelines in the overall operations of a dam or a water treatment plant (WTP),” he told FMT here today.
“These days there is no universality in the way a dam or WTP is planned and executed.”
“Back then everyone followed the guidelines I had drawn up and we never had any major hiccup because everything was handled professionally,” he said.
Somnath retired in 1985 but continued working as a consultant for another 10 years with a private engineering company. Till today, he has not stopped updating his notes and keeping a close eye on the latest water developments and issues.
He pointed out that Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were the only states facing the problem and hinted that the people in charge of managing the water supply are the one’s who need to be questioned.
“I have virtually overseen the construction and operation of almost 30 WTP’s. This, so far, is the worst management system I’ve ever seen,” he chided.
The Sungai Tinggi and Sungai Selangor dams have a combined full capacity of 75 billion gallons of water.
“Syabas should have taken into account the climate changes, rainfall levels and the increase in domestic water consumption, to be able to distribute the water correctly.”
“If this had been done, we would not be in this predicament. It is the distributor’s responsibility to make sure that every household in Selangor has enough water, equally,” he said.
He added that all dam or WTP designers and planners need to conduct a risk analysis study to ensure that the facilities will continue to work perfectly, years into the future.
“It is a must! Predictions of water consumption, climate change, the volume of raw water availability and so on must be taken into account before the construction of these facilities,” he stressed.
The failure to do so, according to Somnath, is what has contributed to the current water supply management failure.
Over the past four years, Somnath had written to the state government forewarning them of the impending water shortage from the Sungai Selangor source and his warnings were ignored by the authorities.
“I wrote to them and received replies, but nobody bothered to conduct an investigation. Now, see what has happened,” he said.
When the predicted drought season hits in June, the rakyat will most probably need to depend on water from the dams.
If the Sungai Selangor dam which provides about 60% of Selangor’s water supply dries up, Somnath says that people “will have to move elsewhere.”
“That is the worst case scenario. Where are we going to get water, if, during the drought season, Sungai Selangor dam dries up?” he asked.
Free Malaysia Today
Saturday, 3 May 2014
Prepare water contingency plans, manufacturers told
The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Selangor branch is urging manufacturers in state to adopt immediately water supply contingency plans.
It said these should include harvesting rainwater, installing larger water storage tanks and tapping underground water.
FMM said manufacturers should continue water conservation measures in their factories as there was a possibility of another water-rationing exercise in view of the anticipated dry season from June to October.
It said prolonged water rationing, possibly up to six months, would result in a closure of factories or relocation overseas.
FMM said a survey conducted among manufacturers in Selangor revealed that manufacturers would withhold further investment in expanding their businesses.
About 14 companies indicated they would cease operations or relocate their businesses, a move which would affect the livelihood of about 8,919 workers.
The federation welcomed the decision by the state government to discontinue water rationing in Selangor on May 1. – Bernama, May 3, 2014.
It said these should include harvesting rainwater, installing larger water storage tanks and tapping underground water.
FMM said manufacturers should continue water conservation measures in their factories as there was a possibility of another water-rationing exercise in view of the anticipated dry season from June to October.
It said prolonged water rationing, possibly up to six months, would result in a closure of factories or relocation overseas.
FMM said a survey conducted among manufacturers in Selangor revealed that manufacturers would withhold further investment in expanding their businesses.
About 14 companies indicated they would cease operations or relocate their businesses, a move which would affect the livelihood of about 8,919 workers.
The federation welcomed the decision by the state government to discontinue water rationing in Selangor on May 1. – Bernama, May 3, 2014.
Najib: S'gor free water policy led to rationing
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today blamed Pakatan Selangor's populist measures of providing free water and its unwillingness to raise water tariffs for the state's water shortage.
"How many of you suffered from water rationing, how many businessmen cannot get their plans approved due to water rationing?" he asked a strong crowd of 3,000 MCA members and representatives from Chinese NGOs and guilds.
"Why? Because the opposition went on this populist platform, they want to give free water, they don't want to review the tariff with a small increase," he said.
He said giving out free water, an allocation the state government gives to the poor, has led to the state running out of supply and said Pakatan has not been realistic.
"Selangor Mentri Besar (Khalid Ibrahim) has stopped water rationing, but can he guarantee no water rationing in future?" said Najib.
Selangor's dams hit a low over the past months due to unusually dry weather, worsened by pollution in some supplies, forcing the state to implement over a month of water rationing.
However the dry spell has also hit other states including Perak and Johor, where water rationing was also conducted.
Selangor's water rationing ended this week after rainfall replenished most of the dams and the state took added measures to increase supply from alternative sources.
(More to follow from Malaysiakini)
"How many of you suffered from water rationing, how many businessmen cannot get their plans approved due to water rationing?" he asked a strong crowd of 3,000 MCA members and representatives from Chinese NGOs and guilds.
"Why? Because the opposition went on this populist platform, they want to give free water, they don't want to review the tariff with a small increase," he said.
He said giving out free water, an allocation the state government gives to the poor, has led to the state running out of supply and said Pakatan has not been realistic.
"Selangor Mentri Besar (Khalid Ibrahim) has stopped water rationing, but can he guarantee no water rationing in future?" said Najib.
Selangor's dams hit a low over the past months due to unusually dry weather, worsened by pollution in some supplies, forcing the state to implement over a month of water rationing.
However the dry spell has also hit other states including Perak and Johor, where water rationing was also conducted.
Selangor's water rationing ended this week after rainfall replenished most of the dams and the state took added measures to increase supply from alternative sources.
(More to follow from Malaysiakini)
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
UM study shows mine water contaminated
PETALING JAYA: Two studies conducted in 2010 and 2012 by Universiti Malaya have shown that water from old mining pools at Bestari Jaya is contaminated with heavy metal.
Klang MP Charles Santiago said Muhammad Ashraf Aqeel, Mohd Jamil and Ismail Yusuf from the chemistry and geology department of Universiti Malaya carried out the study.
“It clearly contradicts the position taken by the Selangor government in allowing water from Bestari Jaya mining ponds to be pumped into Sungai Selangor,” said Santiago.
“Once pumped, the mine pool water will contaminate Sungai Selangor. Our treatment plants cannot treat or clean heavy metal or toxic pollution,” added Santiago.
Selangor exco, Ahmad Yunus Hairi, stated recently that water from the Hang Tuah ponds at Bestari Jaya had passed the “health standard”.
But UM’s 2010 study showed that the physio-chemical parameters and metal concentration in Bestari Jaya exceeds national water quality standards.
The 2012 study showed that old mining pond sediments were polluted with arsenic (8.8%), chromium (12.9%), copper (17.4%), lead (19.5%), zinc (14.9) and tin (33.8%).
“The heavy metal polluted mining pools around Bestari Jaya pose a significant threat to the environment and is a risk to human life,” said Santiago.
“I reiterate my earlier call for the Selangor state government to make public the Health Department’s report and chemical content.
“To date, there is no evidence to show that Bestari Jaya’s old mining ponds were treated in any way since its closure,” added Santiago.
In another development, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today urged the Selangor government to stop the water rationing exercise as the water level in the dams in the state had increased.
The Selangor economic advisor also advised the residents of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to be economical in using water.
The water rationing exercise, which started in stages in March, is scheduled to end on April 30. Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim is to announce tomorrow if the water rationing will continue beyond April 30 or be stopped.
Source: FMT
Klang MP Charles Santiago said Muhammad Ashraf Aqeel, Mohd Jamil and Ismail Yusuf from the chemistry and geology department of Universiti Malaya carried out the study.
“It clearly contradicts the position taken by the Selangor government in allowing water from Bestari Jaya mining ponds to be pumped into Sungai Selangor,” said Santiago.
“Once pumped, the mine pool water will contaminate Sungai Selangor. Our treatment plants cannot treat or clean heavy metal or toxic pollution,” added Santiago.
Selangor exco, Ahmad Yunus Hairi, stated recently that water from the Hang Tuah ponds at Bestari Jaya had passed the “health standard”.
But UM’s 2010 study showed that the physio-chemical parameters and metal concentration in Bestari Jaya exceeds national water quality standards.
The 2012 study showed that old mining pond sediments were polluted with arsenic (8.8%), chromium (12.9%), copper (17.4%), lead (19.5%), zinc (14.9) and tin (33.8%).
“The heavy metal polluted mining pools around Bestari Jaya pose a significant threat to the environment and is a risk to human life,” said Santiago.
“I reiterate my earlier call for the Selangor state government to make public the Health Department’s report and chemical content.
“To date, there is no evidence to show that Bestari Jaya’s old mining ponds were treated in any way since its closure,” added Santiago.
In another development, Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim today urged the Selangor government to stop the water rationing exercise as the water level in the dams in the state had increased.
The Selangor economic advisor also advised the residents of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to be economical in using water.
The water rationing exercise, which started in stages in March, is scheduled to end on April 30. Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim is to announce tomorrow if the water rationing will continue beyond April 30 or be stopped.
Source: FMT
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Selangor govt approves RM10 mil to build infrastructure to pump water
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor state government has approved RM10 million to build infrastructure to pump water from former tin mines into Sungai Selangor to supplement raw water supply.
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (pix) said installation works have begun a few days ago and the state government is targeting to supply 900 million litres a day (MLD) from nine mines.
"The allocation includes purchasing high capacity pumps (up to 50MLD) to ensure maximum effect to raise water levels at the Sungai Selangor dam," he told the press at the state secretariat today.
The system will also be used to pump water into reservoirs to ensure adequate water supply for Selangor throughout the dry season, which is expected to take place from the end of May until September.
Khalid said water rationing will only be lifted in stages when water levels at the Sungai Selangor dam goes over 40% and show a consistent upward trend.
"We want to make sure that there will be enough water supply for the public in the next five to six month where the dry season will take place," he said.
Khalid said water levels at other dams are well over 50% but they only account for a fraction of the total supply in Selangor while the Sungai Selangor dam, which supplies over 60% of water in the state, is at 38.97%.
The water pumping will be handled by the Selangor Water Management Board (Luas) and the Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS).
Press conferences will also be held by state executive councillor of infrastructure Dr. Yunus Hairi every two days to keep the public up to date about the water situation in Selangor starting on Friday.
Khalid said he will be having a meeting with the Federation of Manufacturers Malaysian (FMM) to assuage fears that they will not have enough water to sustain their businesses.
Meanwhile, Khalid said the window for the state's four water concessionaires to take up Selangor's offer to take over water assets at RM9.65 billion will expire in the next few days.
The state government will proceed with their restructuring exercise after the offer expires and they are currently drawing up final draft documentations to implement Section 114 of the Water Services and Industries Act (WSIA).
Khalid said the state government will look into proposals of implementing rainwater harvesting but remarked that it is not an "economically interesting" policy as Malaysia has plenty of water supply.
The Sun
Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (pix) said installation works have begun a few days ago and the state government is targeting to supply 900 million litres a day (MLD) from nine mines.
"The allocation includes purchasing high capacity pumps (up to 50MLD) to ensure maximum effect to raise water levels at the Sungai Selangor dam," he told the press at the state secretariat today.
The system will also be used to pump water into reservoirs to ensure adequate water supply for Selangor throughout the dry season, which is expected to take place from the end of May until September.
Khalid said water rationing will only be lifted in stages when water levels at the Sungai Selangor dam goes over 40% and show a consistent upward trend.
"We want to make sure that there will be enough water supply for the public in the next five to six month where the dry season will take place," he said.
Khalid said water levels at other dams are well over 50% but they only account for a fraction of the total supply in Selangor while the Sungai Selangor dam, which supplies over 60% of water in the state, is at 38.97%.
The water pumping will be handled by the Selangor Water Management Board (Luas) and the Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS).
Press conferences will also be held by state executive councillor of infrastructure Dr. Yunus Hairi every two days to keep the public up to date about the water situation in Selangor starting on Friday.
Khalid said he will be having a meeting with the Federation of Manufacturers Malaysian (FMM) to assuage fears that they will not have enough water to sustain their businesses.
Meanwhile, Khalid said the window for the state's four water concessionaires to take up Selangor's offer to take over water assets at RM9.65 billion will expire in the next few days.
The state government will proceed with their restructuring exercise after the offer expires and they are currently drawing up final draft documentations to implement Section 114 of the Water Services and Industries Act (WSIA).
Khalid said the state government will look into proposals of implementing rainwater harvesting but remarked that it is not an "economically interesting" policy as Malaysia has plenty of water supply.
The Sun
More Rationing with El-Nino?
PETALING JAYA: With the water rationing not ending any time soon, a bigger threat is looming with the arrival of the El-Nino, a global phenomenon disrupting the weather pattern and causing a dry spell which can last up to 18 months.
The Meteorological Department has predicted that the El-Nino is likely to occur by end of the year although the impact could be felt much earlier.
The department’s corporate affairs head Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) report on April 15 stated that the strength of the El-Nino could not be determined now.
“El-Nino is a phenomenon that affects the whole globe,” said Mohd Hisham told FMT via e-mail.
The report said the El-Nino effect would possibly be felt as early as July.
El Niño, which means The Little Boy or Christ Child in Spanish was originally recognised by fishermen, off the coast of South America, in the 1600s, with the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean.
The name was chosen based on the time of year (around December) during which the Pacific Ocean in the south becomes warmer.
El Niño refers to the periodic warming of the ocean thus increasing the surface temperature across the central and east-central Equator.
Typically, El Niño can last between nine and 18 months and usually begins to develop in the early part of the year, peaking at the end of the year.
El-Nino – Malaysia’s experience
When El-Nino hit Malaysia in 2010, the department recorded no rain from January to end of May.
On March 18, 2010, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) reported that seven dams in Selangor dried up due to the phenomenon.
Last month, it was reported in an English daily that the El Nino is shaping up as the biggest risk for palm oil output this year.
A strong El-Nino would cut palm oil output in Malaysia and Indonesia by as much as 30%.
If the El-Nino hits, Malaysians must be prepared for a continuous round of water rationing, or even water emergency.
Souce: FMT
Thursday, 3 April 2014
Penangites Pay the Price
Penangites Pay the Price
Datuk Huan Cheng Guan
President, Centre for Political Awareness
Not too long ago, Penangites fell for the Ubah fairy tale and thought they would live happily ever after under the thumb of Lim Guan Eng. It was smooth-sailing at first with Lim Guan Eng claiming credit for slicing RM600 million or 95 per cent of the state’s debt since the Pakatan Rakyat took over the state in March 2008. Many fell for this fairy tale within a fairy tale oblivious that the recovery was due Federal assistance to re-categorise most of the state’s debt into Federal grant. Today, the bubble burst for Penangites when LGE announced a hike in water rates for Penangites with three absurd justifications.
Firstly, it is totally narrow-minded and unfair of him to make an overgeneralised statement that Penangites are wasting water. How many Penangites has he seen to make such a baseless unsupported assertion? I am very surprised that LGE is unaware that water shortages occur because of a myriad of reasons such as rivers running dry, overuse of water by industries, pollution, global warming, extreme weather among others and poor planning by authorities. Wastage is hardly even mentioned in the numerous websites on water shortages.
Secondly, he claims that the authorities have tried many ways to check the wastage but failed. Please Mr. Chief Minister – tell us:
1. What were those MANY ways implemented to check the wastage?
When, how and where were they implemented?
2. How and why did those ways fail?
He cannot give such ridiculous justifications and expect us to comply without raising a clamor to voice our objections at the speed and condescending manner he is bulldozing this price hike down our throats.
Thirdly, he claims that the state government was left with little choice but to raise the water tariff because water usage by Penangites is the highest in the country even though our rates are the cheapest, at 31 sen per 35,000 litres. He compared the average usage of Penangites (311 cubic litres of water) with that of the people in Sabah (115 litres) and Perlis (214 litres) and that Penang's water consumption was 50 per cent higher than the national average rate of 212 cubic litres per person daily. Thank you for the statistics but as a trained accountant, it is surprising that he has ignored intricacies of making comparisons between absolute and relative figures. Each state has different population, different commercial/industrial/personal needs, and different levels of water resources. Hence, such comparisons are not only unfair but also meaningless.
LGE has taken upon himself to be the’ Father of all Penangites’ flexing his muscles while swishing his cane to punish Penangites who have ‘disobeyed’ his call to conserve water given in February HERE. He seems to have forgotten that Penangites voted him to govern; to UBAH without realization that he will ‘ubah’ the water rates at such short notice!
In June 2011, LGE sought help from Federal Government to re-categorise most of the state’s debt into Federal grant. The Penang government agreed to the water restructuring agreement with the federal government in exchange for a complete restructuring of outstanding federal loans of RM655.24 million owed by Penang. This enabled LGE to re-define his huge state debt into an interest-free arrangement involving the migration of the core assets of the state-owned Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) to Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB), a company under the Ministry of Finance Inc. which has assumed responsibility for water supply projects through the National Water Services Industry Restructuring Initiative. If you check the official website of PAAB, the financial benefits arising from this structure will be shared with the consumers through lower tariff rates.
Unbeknownst to many, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir struck a deal with Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) in December 2011. Unlike other states, which had agreed to allow the migration of their water assets to PAAB, Perak requested for its assets of over RM200mil to remain with the state. PAAB agreed to this request. Lim Guan Eng did NOT make such a request to protect Penang’s water assets which were transferred to PAAB!
After striking the deal, Zambry assured the public that water tariffs in Perak would not be increased following the conclusion of the migration exercise. However, LGE has jumped at the opportunity to increase tariffs.
In other words, Penangites have to pay the price for voting in a CM who has reneged on his election promise and his 2014 new year message not to increase water tariff for two years and who has not worked to protect the water assets of the state.
LGE said the proposed water rate hike, which is still being worked out, would not be a burden. Well, that being the case, how can he be so sure it will not be a burden? Such empty assurances or statements do little for his credibility. Has he thought of the impact of the hike and how unscrupulous ones may jump on the bandwagon to raise prices and how all this may snowball into higher inflation rates?
According to their official website, “Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) is one of three 100% owned subsidiaries of PBA Holdings Bhd (PBAHB), a company that is listed in the Main Board of the Malaysian Bourse (Bursa Malaysia).
PBA Resources Sdn Bhd (PBAR), the second subsidiary is a management company that manages the Penang Water Services Academy (PWSA) and the Air Itam Teambuilding Centre (AITC). Island Springwater Sdn Bhd (ISSB), a drinking water bottling and marketing company, is a subsidiary of PBAHB.
Meanwhile, Pinang Water Limited (PWL) is an associate company of the PBAHB Group. It is a joint venture with Ranhill Water (Hong Kong) and YLI Holding Bhd. PWL has built the Yuan He (Yuan River) Water Treatment Plant in Yichun City, China. This plant is now being managed by PWL's China subsidiary – Yichun Pinang Water Co. Ltd. In 2010, the company supplied 10 million litres of water per day (MLD) to Yichun City.”
Do you now view the price hike differently?
Higher Water Tariffs for Penangites!
'STOP WASTING WATER': They are the biggest water consumers in country, says CM.
GEORGE TOWN: PENANG folk will soon have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay their water bills.
According to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, this was because many Penangites were wasting water, which he believed could lead to scarcity, as seen in some states.
Lim, who is also Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman, said the state government was left with little choice but to raise the water tariff.
"We have tried many ways to check against wastage but failed. Water usage by Penangites is the highest in the country even though our rates are the cheapest, at 31 sen per 35,000 litres," he said after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting here yesterday.
Lim said Penangites used an average of 311 cubic litres of water daily compared with the people in Sabah and Perlis, whose daily consumption stood at 115 and 241 cubic litres, respectively.
Penang's water consumption was 50 per cent higher than the national average rate of 212 cubic litres per person daily.
Lim said the proposed water rate hike, which is still being worked out, would not be a burden.
"PBAPP, which had recommended the water tariff hike, is conducting a study and will recommend the new rates.
"The proposed rates would be submitted to the National Water Services Commission for approval.
"I assure the people the new rates will be lower than the national average of 66 sen for the first 35,000 litres."
Asked if the new rates would be implemented by year's end, he said: "That is too long. It will be sooner."
Asked whether his earlier announcement that Penang would consider water rationing still stood, Lim said it was now not necessary.
However, he said there was a need to implement a contingency plan to avoid water rationing in the future if there should be an extended dry season.
"I think Penangites, too, would like to avoid water rationing."
The last time water rates were increased in Penang was 23 years ago. However, Lim's announcement was greeted with mixed reactions by various quarters.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the water tariff increase was long overdue.
"The water rate hike will definitely stop water abuse. Consumers will react fast when they have to dig deep into their pockets to pay for utilities."
Penang Hoteliers Association president Datuk Lim Mee Lee, however, disagreed, saying the increased water tariff would be a burden to hoteliers.
"The state government imposed levies on hotel rooms, which will come into force in June, and now we have to contend with a water tariff hike.
"This will hit us hard," he said, adding that some hoteliers would be forced to increase their room rates to offset the increase in their overheads.
He said it could not be ruled out that a water rate hike would cause a chain reaction to other businesses and it could ultimately affect consumers the most.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak said the state government should postpone its decision to increase the water tariff.
"The economy is bad right now and the people are already feeling the pinch.
SOURCE: NST
GEORGE TOWN: PENANG folk will soon have to dig deeper into their pockets to pay their water bills.
According to Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, this was because many Penangites were wasting water, which he believed could lead to scarcity, as seen in some states.
Lim, who is also Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman, said the state government was left with little choice but to raise the water tariff.
"We have tried many ways to check against wastage but failed. Water usage by Penangites is the highest in the country even though our rates are the cheapest, at 31 sen per 35,000 litres," he said after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting here yesterday.
Lim said Penangites used an average of 311 cubic litres of water daily compared with the people in Sabah and Perlis, whose daily consumption stood at 115 and 241 cubic litres, respectively.
Penang's water consumption was 50 per cent higher than the national average rate of 212 cubic litres per person daily.
Lim said the proposed water rate hike, which is still being worked out, would not be a burden.
"PBAPP, which had recommended the water tariff hike, is conducting a study and will recommend the new rates.
"The proposed rates would be submitted to the National Water Services Commission for approval.
"I assure the people the new rates will be lower than the national average of 66 sen for the first 35,000 litres."
Asked if the new rates would be implemented by year's end, he said: "That is too long. It will be sooner."
Asked whether his earlier announcement that Penang would consider water rationing still stood, Lim said it was now not necessary.
However, he said there was a need to implement a contingency plan to avoid water rationing in the future if there should be an extended dry season.
"I think Penangites, too, would like to avoid water rationing."
The last time water rates were increased in Penang was 23 years ago. However, Lim's announcement was greeted with mixed reactions by various quarters.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president S.M. Mohamed Idris said the water tariff increase was long overdue.
"The water rate hike will definitely stop water abuse. Consumers will react fast when they have to dig deep into their pockets to pay for utilities."
Penang Hoteliers Association president Datuk Lim Mee Lee, however, disagreed, saying the increased water tariff would be a burden to hoteliers.
"The state government imposed levies on hotel rooms, which will come into force in June, and now we have to contend with a water tariff hike.
"This will hit us hard," he said, adding that some hoteliers would be forced to increase their room rates to offset the increase in their overheads.
He said it could not be ruled out that a water rate hike would cause a chain reaction to other businesses and it could ultimately affect consumers the most.
Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak said the state government should postpone its decision to increase the water tariff.
"The economy is bad right now and the people are already feeling the pinch.
SOURCE: NST
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Khalid’s ‘sleight of hand’ in water deal set to embarrass Rafizi?
Could PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli be jumping the gun in putting pressure on Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim to disclose terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Putrajaya on the state’s water restructuring exercise?
Khalid has gained a reputation for making calculated decisions on his own terms and it appears that his handling of the entire water deal, in negotiations since 2008, is no different.
Rafizi had on March 3 revealed a draft copy of the MoU and expressed concerns over the terms which he described as being “lopsided” and potentially illegal, warning that it could result in a water tariff hike in the state.
Khalid, however, later the same day described Rafizi's figures as being based on his “own assumptions” and contradicted data from the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).
In response to mounting pressure for him to reveal terms of the MoU, Khalid maintained that the document is bound under the Official Secrets Act 1976 but he would do so in due time after obtaining “permission” from Putrajaya.
Khalid had on March 4 met with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and he subsequently confirmed today (March 5) that the Selangor state government will draft another agreement with Putrajaya to incorporate further details regarding the water deal.
In a press conference after chairing the weekly state executive-council meeting today (March 5), online portal MalaysiaKini reported Khalid as saying that he is not interested to comment further on Rafizi’s allegations, as there is no proof, and would instead concentrate on the soon to be inked new deal.
Following Rafizi’s disclosure of the draft MoU, Khalid’s critics had insisted that he “comes clean” over the matter in the name of upholding transparency as well as to dispute rumours that he had used the water deal to broker a personal settlement over his reported debt with Bank Islam.
Under the initial MoU, Selangor will have full control over the operations of four water concessionaires - Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Bhd (Syabas), Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Konsortium Abbas Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings Bhd (Splash) - and will place these under the state-owned Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Sdn Bhd (KDEB).
All four water concessionaires has also been given until March 10 to accept the state’s offer of RM9.65 billion and the state government, in return, would issue necessary approvals to facilitate construction of the Langat 2 water treatment plant.
TheMalayMailOnline also reported Khalid as saying that the new agreement, to be signed as soon as possible, will be drafted by both the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry and state-owned Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Sdn Bhd (KDEB).
“The federal government has agreed to sign a heads of agreement with the Selangor government, which contains a more comprehensive and detailed agreement on Selangor’s water restructuring plans.
“These developments show the commitment by both parties towards the MoU signed last week,” he added.
While PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim himself had reportedly said that he could not stop Rafizi from making public his concerns over the water deal, Khalid’s subsequent responses would make it appear as if the Pandan MP is being, for the lack of a more accurate English word, “menggelabah” (over-reacting to the situation).
Instead of responding to Rafizi, Khalid appears to have his own game plan in handling the water issue, even taking the unprecedented step of granting an interview to public broadcaster TV3.
It would also appear that Khalid is genuinely not interested in politicising the whole water issue and would rather take concrete steps towards fulfilling his promise of bringing about a long-term solution for the state.
Source: The Ant Daily
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Anwar: No Disciplinary Action Against Rafizi
KAJANG (March 3): PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli will not be punished for 'questioning' Selangor’s water restructure Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Government.
PKR advisor and de facto Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this at the launch of the party’s Kajang by-election media centre today.
Anwar said PKR respects democracy and Rafizi was asking questions on the MoU that has not been finalised.
"He (Rafizi) did informed me yesterday of his questions. I think it's healthy for democracy to ask, but not to form an opinion yet.
"Please allow Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim some time before he can disclose the deal," said Anwar.
"As for the MoU, I have not seen it but I don't think we should take a strong opposition to his reaction. If he transgressed the basic party rules, it's different but there are some concerns over this (water) issue," said Anwar.
Anwar also pointed out that being a democratic party, freedom of expression is part of PKR's culture and that he has already advised Rafizi to ask all the questions but not to judge the issue too quickly.
"So he asked a few questions because he felt that a more detailed explanation is needed. I allowed it because I think it is healthy and because we have the interest of the Selangor people at heart.
"I find it strange that whenever a PKR member voices a dissenting opinion, you say the party is splitting apart. We are not BN, we are not Umno. We don't have the type of Umno-MCA relationship.
"What political party doesn't have any dissents in the leadership? You tell me. You must allow differing views. You have been calling and demanding (everyone) to respect democracy but when there is a difference in opinion, you said there is a crack in the party," said Anwar, adding that PKR will get hammered if gag orders are issued.
"Remember recently when PKR disallowed TV3 and Utusan Malaysia to cover our Press conferences? We got hammered. But I said that I will allow them to cover us if I can have my five minutes of airtime in TV3," said Anwar.
Asked whether the MoU will have negative implications on the Kajang voters, Anwar said he does not think so as the matter is still under discussion.
By Azril Annuar and Syuhada Roskhamdi
Source: Fz
PKR advisor and de facto Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this at the launch of the party’s Kajang by-election media centre today.
Anwar said PKR respects democracy and Rafizi was asking questions on the MoU that has not been finalised.
"He (Rafizi) did informed me yesterday of his questions. I think it's healthy for democracy to ask, but not to form an opinion yet.
"Please allow Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim some time before he can disclose the deal," said Anwar.
"As for the MoU, I have not seen it but I don't think we should take a strong opposition to his reaction. If he transgressed the basic party rules, it's different but there are some concerns over this (water) issue," said Anwar.
Anwar also pointed out that being a democratic party, freedom of expression is part of PKR's culture and that he has already advised Rafizi to ask all the questions but not to judge the issue too quickly.
"So he asked a few questions because he felt that a more detailed explanation is needed. I allowed it because I think it is healthy and because we have the interest of the Selangor people at heart.
"I find it strange that whenever a PKR member voices a dissenting opinion, you say the party is splitting apart. We are not BN, we are not Umno. We don't have the type of Umno-MCA relationship.
"What political party doesn't have any dissents in the leadership? You tell me. You must allow differing views. You have been calling and demanding (everyone) to respect democracy but when there is a difference in opinion, you said there is a crack in the party," said Anwar, adding that PKR will get hammered if gag orders are issued.
"Remember recently when PKR disallowed TV3 and Utusan Malaysia to cover our Press conferences? We got hammered. But I said that I will allow them to cover us if I can have my five minutes of airtime in TV3," said Anwar.
Asked whether the MoU will have negative implications on the Kajang voters, Anwar said he does not think so as the matter is still under discussion.
By Azril Annuar and Syuhada Roskhamdi
Source: Fz
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Khalid: No Regrets Excluding Anwar
HULU LANGAT - Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim denied today he regrets excluding Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from the newly-signed water deal between Selangor and Putrajaya.
The Selangor mentri besar said he had to keep the deal secret to prevent insider trading, which would have then inflated the original offer price.
“Anwar represents Selangor folk. I too represent Selangor folk. What is most important is we find the best way to implement it.
“Selangor folk asked for the water assets to be consolidated with the best price,” Khalid told reporters after an event in the Selangor Islamic University College here.
Khalid insisted it was important for him to pay the best price for the water concessionaires in order to keep water bills low.
On Wednesday, Selangor and Putrajaya signed an agreement to reorganise water utility in the state, which could lead to the construction of the long-opposed Langat 2 water treatment facility.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the political rivals was signed by Khalid and Energy, Water and Green Technology Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili at a hastily-convened event in Putrajaya.
Khalid also rubbished claims that there is severe infighting in PKR and that it will affect Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) chances in the Kajang by-election.
Despite allegations of a deepening feud between him and Selangor PKR chief Azmin Ali, Khalid claimed their relationship is “very good”.
“Infighting in politics, is quite common in Malaysia. There is even infighting in Umno, MIC. There is also infighting in MCA,” Khalid said.
He also claimed that it will be impossible to curb any infighting from arising in PKR and in Malaysian politics, but conceded that the level is still moderate compared to other countries.
However, Khalid is likely be called in to meet Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explain it in detail.
This comes as PKR said it was unaware of the newly-minted water deal to reorganise water utility in the state, and that it is demanding an explanation from the state government.
Under the MoU, Selangor will take over the operations of four water concessionaires — Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Bhd (Syabas), Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Konsortium Abbas Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings Bhd (Splash) — and will place these under the state-owned Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Sdn Bhd.
The acquisition of the water supply infrastructure carries a price tag of RM9.65 billion. In exchange, Selangor agreed to approve the development order for the Langat 2 water treatment plant and ensure all necessary approvals would be given within 30 days from yesterday.
Water supply in Selangor has been a contentious issue since the state fell to Pakatan Rakyat in Election 2008, with the residents experiencing repeated supply outages that the state administration alleged were due to sabotage by the rival Barisan Nasional coalition.
Source: The Malay Mail
The Selangor mentri besar said he had to keep the deal secret to prevent insider trading, which would have then inflated the original offer price.
“Anwar represents Selangor folk. I too represent Selangor folk. What is most important is we find the best way to implement it.
“Selangor folk asked for the water assets to be consolidated with the best price,” Khalid told reporters after an event in the Selangor Islamic University College here.
Khalid insisted it was important for him to pay the best price for the water concessionaires in order to keep water bills low.
On Wednesday, Selangor and Putrajaya signed an agreement to reorganise water utility in the state, which could lead to the construction of the long-opposed Langat 2 water treatment facility.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the political rivals was signed by Khalid and Energy, Water and Green Technology Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili at a hastily-convened event in Putrajaya.
Khalid also rubbished claims that there is severe infighting in PKR and that it will affect Pakatan Rakyat’s (PR) chances in the Kajang by-election.
Despite allegations of a deepening feud between him and Selangor PKR chief Azmin Ali, Khalid claimed their relationship is “very good”.
“Infighting in politics, is quite common in Malaysia. There is even infighting in Umno, MIC. There is also infighting in MCA,” Khalid said.
He also claimed that it will be impossible to curb any infighting from arising in PKR and in Malaysian politics, but conceded that the level is still moderate compared to other countries.
However, Khalid is likely be called in to meet Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to explain it in detail.
This comes as PKR said it was unaware of the newly-minted water deal to reorganise water utility in the state, and that it is demanding an explanation from the state government.
Under the MoU, Selangor will take over the operations of four water concessionaires — Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Bhd (Syabas), Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Konsortium Abbas Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings Bhd (Splash) — and will place these under the state-owned Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Sdn Bhd.
The acquisition of the water supply infrastructure carries a price tag of RM9.65 billion. In exchange, Selangor agreed to approve the development order for the Langat 2 water treatment plant and ensure all necessary approvals would be given within 30 days from yesterday.
Water supply in Selangor has been a contentious issue since the state fell to Pakatan Rakyat in Election 2008, with the residents experiencing repeated supply outages that the state administration alleged were due to sabotage by the rival Barisan Nasional coalition.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Water Deal May Balloon to 14 BILLION
Selangor may have finally managed to get private concessionaires to accept its RM9.65 billion offer in the takeover of the state's water services story. But the price tag could still balloon up to RM14 billion.
PKR's Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen said Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had informed Pakatan Rakyat representatives of this at a briefing yesterday.
"He (Khalid) said that the water concessionaires have no choice but to accept the RM9.65 billion offer.
"But when I pressed further on the issue of international arbitration, he conceded that the international arbitration clause actually allows the water concessionaires to ask for more money.
"And if the arbitrators find in favour of the water companies, the deal could balloon to RM14 billion," Wong said in a Facebook posting.
The briefing at the state secretariat building yesterday evening was to bring Pakatan representatives up to speed on the Selangor and federal governments signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the matter.
Pakatan representative had criticised the move as they were not informed before hand when out of the blue news broke that it had taken place.
Khalid had justified keeping the Pakatan representatives in the dark earlier about the MOU, citing the need to prevent insider trading, said Wong Chen.
"However when I asked him (Khalid) during their weeks of negotiations, were BN cabinet members also forced to sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent insider trading, he said he didn't know," he said.
Make MOU public, MB urged
The MOU will see Selangor take over the state's water service in exchange for federal government consent for theLangat 2 water treatment plant, which could cost up to RM4.5 billion.
Wong Chen said Pakatan representatives were not shown the MOU yesterday but only notes of its content.
However, he said the representatives had pressed Khalid to make the document public and the menteri besar promised to take this up with Putrajaya.
"When (Selangor speaker) Hannah Yeoh and I pressed the menteri besar to commit to making the MOU public, his staff told him that it was 'secret'.
"Nevertheless he (Khalid, right) said he will use his powers as menteri besar to make it available for all very soon.
"He then said that in Putrajaya he had read out the terms to the media, so he don't see why it shouldn't be made public," said Wong Chen.
He then lamented that the lack of transparency had hurt Pakatan and urged speedy public disclosure of the document.
Khalid in the briefing also denied a Star report quoting him as saying that PKR leaders had lobbied to push up the payment to concessionaires from the offer of RM9.65 billion.
"To this he said he was misquoted and his words were twisted by the press.
"I suggested that if that is the case, he must retract his statements immediately to the media. He said he will do it when he finds the appropriate time for that," said Wong Chen.
Another briefing is scheduled for next week as several MPs were not informed of yesterday's meeting.
-Malaysiakini-
PKR's Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen said Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had informed Pakatan Rakyat representatives of this at a briefing yesterday.
"He (Khalid) said that the water concessionaires have no choice but to accept the RM9.65 billion offer.
"But when I pressed further on the issue of international arbitration, he conceded that the international arbitration clause actually allows the water concessionaires to ask for more money.
"And if the arbitrators find in favour of the water companies, the deal could balloon to RM14 billion," Wong said in a Facebook posting.
The briefing at the state secretariat building yesterday evening was to bring Pakatan representatives up to speed on the Selangor and federal governments signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the matter.
Pakatan representative had criticised the move as they were not informed before hand when out of the blue news broke that it had taken place.
Khalid had justified keeping the Pakatan representatives in the dark earlier about the MOU, citing the need to prevent insider trading, said Wong Chen.
"However when I asked him (Khalid) during their weeks of negotiations, were BN cabinet members also forced to sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent insider trading, he said he didn't know," he said.
Make MOU public, MB urged
The MOU will see Selangor take over the state's water service in exchange for federal government consent for theLangat 2 water treatment plant, which could cost up to RM4.5 billion.
Wong Chen said Pakatan representatives were not shown the MOU yesterday but only notes of its content.
However, he said the representatives had pressed Khalid to make the document public and the menteri besar promised to take this up with Putrajaya.
"When (Selangor speaker) Hannah Yeoh and I pressed the menteri besar to commit to making the MOU public, his staff told him that it was 'secret'.
"Nevertheless he (Khalid, right) said he will use his powers as menteri besar to make it available for all very soon.
"He then said that in Putrajaya he had read out the terms to the media, so he don't see why it shouldn't be made public," said Wong Chen.
He then lamented that the lack of transparency had hurt Pakatan and urged speedy public disclosure of the document.
Khalid in the briefing also denied a Star report quoting him as saying that PKR leaders had lobbied to push up the payment to concessionaires from the offer of RM9.65 billion.
"To this he said he was misquoted and his words were twisted by the press.
"I suggested that if that is the case, he must retract his statements immediately to the media. He said he will do it when he finds the appropriate time for that," said Wong Chen.
Another briefing is scheduled for next week as several MPs were not informed of yesterday's meeting.
-Malaysiakini-
Thursday, 27 February 2014
PKR 'Unaware' of Water Deal?
Article from Malaysian Digest:
PKR Says ‘Unaware’ Of Water Deal, Wants Selangor To Explain
PKR Says ‘Unaware’ Of Water Deal, Wants Selangor To Explain
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR said today it was unaware of the newly-minted agreement between Selangor and Putrajaya to reorganise water utility in the state, and is now demanding an explanation from the state government.
PKR strategic director Rafizi Ramli told The Malay Mail Online that the Selangor government, led by embattled mentri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, had not informed the party that the deal with the federal government would be inked today.
“We are unaware that is going to be done today,” the Pandan MP said when contacted shortly after news reports of the signing hit headlines on several online news portals.
“The party needs more details before it can comment any further, we will ask the PKR state executive councillors to explain to the party about this deal.
“I had to read it from the news, just like you, to find out about the matter,” Rafizi added.
The agreement between Selangor and Putrajaya signed earlier today could lead to the construction of the Langat 2 water treatment facility, which has been long-opposed by the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leadership.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the political rivals was signed by Khalid and Energy, Water and Green Technology Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili at a hastily-convened event in Putrajaya.
Water supply in Selangor has been a contentious issue since the state fell to PR in Election 2008, with the residents experiencing repeated supply outages that the state administration alleged were due to sabotage by the rival Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition.
Under the MoU signed today, Selangor will take over the operations of four water concessionaires — Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Bhd (Syabas), Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Konsortium Abbas Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Holdings Bhd (Splash) — and will place these under the state-owned Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Sdn Bhd.
The acquisition of the water supply infrastructure will also be at RM9.65 billion that was the last offered by Selangor, which Putrajaya today agreed to provide under the MoU.
In exchange, Selangor agreed to approve the development order for the Langat 2 water treatment plant effective today and ensure all necessary approvals would be given within 30 days from today.
Under the agreement, the federal government will set up a committee to oversee the implementation of the water treatment plant, with seats allocated for representatives from the Selangor state government.
The signing ceremony today was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and his deputy, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Three Million To Be Hit By Sunday
PETALING JAYA: A further three million Klang Valley consumers from 750,000 households will experience supply disruptions during water rationing beginning Sunday.
They are apart from the 240,000 people from 60,000 households in Hulu Langat, Kuala Langat and Sepang who will receive supply every two days from Thursday under the first phase of scheduled distribution.
The rationing exercise is to conserve diminishing raw water reserves in Selangor under a plan approved by SPAN, the National Water Services Commission.
SPAN chairman Datuk Ismail Kasim said the commission had approved an application by the Selangor Government for the second phase of scheduled distribution.
“Considering that the Selangor water company Syabas needs more time to make preparations, SPAN has decided that the rationing will start on March 2.”
In a statement, he said Syabas would give details of the extension of the scheduled water distribution to other areas in Selangor by Friday.
“This is in line with the company’s concession agreement requiring it to give affected consumers two days’ notice,” he added.
He said the rationing was necessary because the dry spell had caused water levels to fall in all seven dams, which supplied water to consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
The levels of the Sungai Selangor and Klang Gates dams have fallen to 48.94% and 54.10% respectively.
The Sungai Selangor and Sungai Tinggi dams supply water to the Rantau Panjang, Rasa, and Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2 and 3 treatment plants.
These dams produce 2,900 MLD (million litres per day) to 60% of consumers in the Klang Valley.
The Klang Gate dam supplies raw water to the Bukit Nenas and Wangsa Maju water treatment plants which serve the city centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Ismail said the Sungai Selangor dam now released 1,800 MLD, and the Sungai Tinggi and Klang Gates dams 1,200 MLD and 120 MLD respectively to treatment plants.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya collectively require 4,900 MLD of raw water.
Ismail said the Selangor Government, which is in charge of water sources in the state, was concerned with the declining levels at dams and decided to reduce the release of raw water from the Sungai Selangor dam by 500 MLD, but this would be done in stages.
“This will affect production in the Rasa, Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2 and 3 treatment plants.
“All consumers who receive water from these plants will experience supply disruptions,” he said.
Ismail said SPAN discussed the scheduled water distribution with the Federal Government and all relevant agencies and stakeholders yesterday.
“The second phase of the scheduled distribution has to be planned because more consumers and a bigger area will be affected,” he said.
“It is more complex (than the first phase) and requires more resources and logistics.”
Earlier yesterday, Syabas executive director (technical development) V. Subramaniam said the rationing was necessary and would effect more than one third of consumer areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
As for the first phase of the scheduled water distribution, Subramaniam said it would cover 71 areas in the three affected districts and last until March 31, unless the rainy season begins earlier.
The severe dry spell in the state had caused the concentration of pollutants, in particular ammonia, in the Langat river to be excessively high, forcing the shutdown of the Bukit Tampoi and Batu 11 Cheras treatment plants since Jan 28.
The Star
The rationing exercise is to conserve diminishing raw water reserves in Selangor under a plan approved by SPAN, the National Water Services Commission.
SPAN chairman Datuk Ismail Kasim said the commission had approved an application by the Selangor Government for the second phase of scheduled distribution.
“Considering that the Selangor water company Syabas needs more time to make preparations, SPAN has decided that the rationing will start on March 2.”
In a statement, he said Syabas would give details of the extension of the scheduled water distribution to other areas in Selangor by Friday.
“This is in line with the company’s concession agreement requiring it to give affected consumers two days’ notice,” he added.
He said the rationing was necessary because the dry spell had caused water levels to fall in all seven dams, which supplied water to consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
The levels of the Sungai Selangor and Klang Gates dams have fallen to 48.94% and 54.10% respectively.
The Sungai Selangor and Sungai Tinggi dams supply water to the Rantau Panjang, Rasa, and Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2 and 3 treatment plants.
These dams produce 2,900 MLD (million litres per day) to 60% of consumers in the Klang Valley.
The Klang Gate dam supplies raw water to the Bukit Nenas and Wangsa Maju water treatment plants which serve the city centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Ismail said the Sungai Selangor dam now released 1,800 MLD, and the Sungai Tinggi and Klang Gates dams 1,200 MLD and 120 MLD respectively to treatment plants.
Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya collectively require 4,900 MLD of raw water.
Ismail said the Selangor Government, which is in charge of water sources in the state, was concerned with the declining levels at dams and decided to reduce the release of raw water from the Sungai Selangor dam by 500 MLD, but this would be done in stages.
“This will affect production in the Rasa, Sungai Selangor Phase 1, 2 and 3 treatment plants.
“All consumers who receive water from these plants will experience supply disruptions,” he said.
Ismail said SPAN discussed the scheduled water distribution with the Federal Government and all relevant agencies and stakeholders yesterday.
“The second phase of the scheduled distribution has to be planned because more consumers and a bigger area will be affected,” he said.
“It is more complex (than the first phase) and requires more resources and logistics.”
Earlier yesterday, Syabas executive director (technical development) V. Subramaniam said the rationing was necessary and would effect more than one third of consumer areas in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
As for the first phase of the scheduled water distribution, Subramaniam said it would cover 71 areas in the three affected districts and last until March 31, unless the rainy season begins earlier.
The severe dry spell in the state had caused the concentration of pollutants, in particular ammonia, in the Langat river to be excessively high, forcing the shutdown of the Bukit Tampoi and Batu 11 Cheras treatment plants since Jan 28.
The Star
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