Khalid hits out at Tony Pua over water supply criticism

(The Rakyat Post) – The Selangor government always works hard and gives its high commitment to ensure that the water supply for Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya households are sufficient and does not face any disruptions, especially through the recent hot weather.

In saying this, Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he appreciated the attention given by opposition leaders, assemblymen and members of parliament, including Petaling Jaya MP Tony Pua, who had conveyed his worry for consumers in areas that had already experienced water disruption.

“I also appreciate the views and criticisms from them about the management of the water service in Selangor that was deemed unsatisfactory.

“Even so, I regret criticisms from leaders, especially DAP, because the Selangor government has still yet to gain control of the water industry, even though principally Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) has agreed to be taken over by the government,” he said in a statement today.

He said the Selangor government, since 2008, had tried to take over the water service from these concessionaires through restructuring programmes to increase the quality of water supply that is equal to the tariff paid by consumers.

“For Tony Pua’s information, so far the state has not got approval to enter Syabas premises or even seen documents, data and information regarding the water industry.

“Therefore, if there is water cuts or disruptions, it is wrong for Tony to point the finger at the state government.

“The state secretary and state economic planning unit (UPEN) have been working hard to ensure that the water restructuring is a success.”

Abdul Khalid said he was worried with the Pakatan Rakyat leaders who so easily point their finger at the state government, calling it “weak and failed”.

“Such accusations will only discourage the officers hard at work.

“Tony Pua should, in fact, ask Syabas and its top officials, who receive millions of ringgit, to work professionally, equal to their remuneration or the least to work closely with the state government to better the quality of the water industry.”