Chin: Government to announce decision on Selangor water issue soon

July 25, 2012

Putrajaya, July 25 — Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will issue an important statement on the final decision of the federal government concerning the Selangor water issue, which is becoming more critical, in the near future, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

Chin (picture) said the government’s firm stand and decision to be announced would certainly take into account the interests and requirements of the people of Selangor by ensuring that there is adequate water supply in the state for the long term.

“The Attorney-General (A-G) is still having a meeting and will report to the deputy prime minister as chairman of the Special Cabinet Committee on Selangor Water Issues.

“For the moment, we are still gathering all information concerning the issue including suggestions from all quarters such as the state authorities, consumers (Selangor residents) and the company concerned.

“Subsequently, the deputy prime minister will issue a statement in one or two days’ time,” he told reporters after the launching of the ‘Fly the Jalur Gemilang 2012’ campaign in conjunction with the 55th anniversary of independence at the ministry level, here today.

He also refuted the claim by the Selangor government that the decision of the federal government to proceed with the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant project (Langat 2) purportedly would burden the people in the state.

“We are doing all we can for the rakyat. Why we are doing this? For (the) rakyat... So how can the rakyat suffer when we are doing the right things for the rakyat? What we are doing is to ensure that we have adequate water supply,” he said.

Chin also did not agree with the suggestion of the Selangor state government that it intends to hold a referendum to allow residents of the state to decide a resolution to the protracted problem.

“I don’t think they can solve this problem with the referendum. What is needed is the plant. So we have taken the stand to invite the tender so that the plant can be built,” he said. — Bernama