Selangor willing to discuss Langat 2 with federal govt

SHAH ALAM: The state government has softened its stand on the Langat 2 water treatment plant, with Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim saying he is willing to discuss the construction of the project with the federal government.

Previously, the state government had objected to the project, claiming that it was too expensive and the cost of construction would be borne by the people through higher water tariffs.

"If we have already "terbuat" (accidentally constructed) Langat 2, we can sit down and discuss how to provide water to the people of Selangor at a reasonable rate," he told the state assembly in response to a question by Opposition Leader Datuk Shamsuddin Lias (BN-Sungai Burong).

Khalid said the state government was prepared to accept the project if its economic value was appropriate.

Shamsuddin had asked Khalid if the state government was prepared to allocate funds to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) in the state, as replacing and repairing water pipes would be costly.

Khalid did not give a straight answer, but said that the state government was ready to have a professional discussion with the federal government to ensure that the people of Selangor will get treated water supply service at the best price.

The RM3bil Langat 2 water treatment plant is a federal project, but the development needs to be approved by the state government under the Land Code.