Correction of Error in Bernama’s Selangor Water Crisis Report on 18th July 2012

Piarapakaran S., President
Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER)

Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) would like to correct the erroneous statement released by BERNAMA yesterday with regards to Selangor Water Crisis. AWER was arguing on the Supply-Demand issue towards Selangor state government and we DID NOT BLAME them as causing a panic situation.

AWER did not support a water rationing and the related original statement in our press statement dated 18th July is as following:

Water Rationing

Before obtaining approval from SPAN, SYABAS has NO RIGHT to issue statements relating to water rationing because this will place public in a panic situation. Panic situation can also spike water usage as consumers tend to store more water at home. Section 54 and 56 of Water Services Industry Act (WSIA) clearly specified the requirements for a rationing and powers vested on SPAN and the minister. AWER urges SPAN to audit the data claimed by SYABAS to establish a real situation in the affected water supply zones. Results of the audit must also be made public to explain the real situation. We also urge SPAN to publish a guideline to water operators to ensure proper procedures are followed before any announcement can be made.

The full script of our press statement is uploaded to our website (www.awer.org.my) and it is the same press statement we sent to all the media agencies. We hope necessary correction is made so that the news report does not mislead the public and other relevant agencies.

We appreciate the cooperation given in this matter.