Ongkili (seated eft) and Khalid (seated right) at the signing ceremony today in the presence of federal ministers. - The Malaysian Insider pic, August 1, 2014.Water tariffs in the Klang Valley will not be increased for at least three to four years, following the restructuring of the Selangor water industry which was signed between the state and Putrajaya today, Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said.
Khalid, who is currently under pressure from PKR to step down as menteri besar, represented Selangor in signing the deal with Putrajaya.
"The water restructuring negotiations which have been ongoing since 2006 is almost at an end," Khalid told reporters after the deal was signed.
He described the restructuring of the water industry in Selangor and the construction of the Langat 2 water treatment plant as a victory for the rakyat.
The bitter tussle over Khalid's position has led to open divisions within Pakatan Rakyat as PKR is against him while PAS has supported him.
PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang has thrown his support behind Khalid, with the support of PAS spiritual adviser Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat.
Khalid said the Selangor government viewed the RM9.65 billion which had been offered to the water concessionaires as fair and reasonable.
"Nobody loses out," Khalid said, referring to Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd dan Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (Abass).
The three concessionaires have accepted Selangor's offer while there are still doubts over the takeover of Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash).
"The success in the takeover of Syabas will enable Selangor to focus on upgrading the water supply lines.
"It is important to ensure the reduction of wastage, which is currently quite high at 34%," Khalid said.
Khalid said that Water, Energy and Green Technology Minister Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili had a much easier task than him, adding: "I have three political mother-in-laws.”
- TMI
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