Singapore not in talks with Malaysia on water prices, says report

Water pipes run the length of the causeway between Singapore and Malaysia's southern city of Johor Bahru (R), transporting up to 250 million gallons (946 million litres) of water or approximately 60 percent of Singapore's water needs each day

SINGAPORE (Bernama): Singapore is not having any renegotiations with Malaysia on water prices, says news portal Today.

Singapore deputy prime minister Teo Chee Hean said this during a tour of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant on Tuesday (Aug 28).

He was asked whether Malaysia had approached Singapore officially regarding the water issue, and whether both sides were in any discussions.

Teo's reply was "no" and did not elaborate further, said the report.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, on several occasions has spoken of the country's intention to review the 1962 Water Agreement and the possibility of increasing the price of raw water supplied to Singapore.

Commenting on the issue for the first time, Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong had on Aug 19 said that "the water agreement is sacrosanct. We must proceed strictly in accordance with its terms."

Lee said that in his speech at the city-state's National Day Rally.

The 1962 Water Agreement was the second water pact signed by the republic with Johor.

Under the agreement, which will expire in 2061, Singapore is entitled to draw 250 million gallons of raw water from the Johor River daily at 3 sen per thousand gallons.

In return, Johor is entitled to receive treated water up to five million gallons or 2% of the water supplied to Singapore at 50 sen per thousand gallons. – Bernama