SHAH ALAM, 27 FEB: The State Government pointed out that the article by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) titled ‘Selangor Water In A Mess’ which was published on 26 February by several newspapers and news portals, is misleading.
The article also contains factual errors related to the State Government’s efforts to ensure that the people receive better and more efficient water services at a reasonable tariff.
Chief Minister, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim in his letter to the Chief Editor of Bernama, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, said that the State Government has placed the responsibility to correct it on the shoulders of Bernama, who was careless in choosing the opinion of dubious ‘experts’.
He said that the statement of academic, Dr Zaharuddin Ahmad Sabri who supposedly claims to be an expert on water issues, led to Bernama’s conclusion that the management and water infrastructure in Selangor is in a mess.
“It is difficult to recognise him as an expert on water (issues) because from investigations carried out, there has not been a published book or even a short article that he has produced specifically on the management of the water industry,” said Abdul Khalid.
Abdul Khalid added that Dr Zaharuddin’s statement which questioned the financial ability of the State Government to pay the RM9.65 billion offer to buy all four water concessionary companies is disputable.
“It is clear that he really did not study the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Act 655) which explained in detail the restructuring of the water services industry.
“In accordance to Act 655, the state’s water assets will be transferred to the Water Assets Management Berhad (PAAB – Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad) at a set value.
“Therefore, the acquisition of the water assets will be funded by PAAB, while the State Government will fund the acquisition of the equity value of the concessions,” he said.
Abdul Khalid explained that, at this time, several local and foreign financial institutions have expressed interest in funding this agreement on the behalf of the people of Selangor.
This offer is reasonable because it gives a return of 12 percent per annum to the shareholders as well as all assets and liabilities will be acquired by the State Government.
“We insist that the restructuring of the water services industry is very important to ensure that the people of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya will enjoy efficient and worthwhile water services,” he said.