Let’s take raw water dispute to court, Penang CM tells Kedah

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government is prepared to meet the Kedah government in court to resolve the ongoing raw water dispute between the states.

“There is no use for us to talk on the outside. It will not benefit anyone. If we really want to solve this issue, let this go to court,” said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow (pic).

“We are prepared and we have our points (for the case).

“We never expected this issue to even arise but it all depends on Kedah, whether or not they intend to bring the issue to court,” he told a press conference after an event on Monday (Jan 3).

He added that Kedah has appointed lawyers to study if the case can be brought to court and that Penang is waiting.

The Star previously reported that Kedah demanded RM50mil in annual payment for raw water supplied to the Penang Water Supply Corporation.

On this matter, Chow said according to international law, anyone has riparian rights to raw water usage.

“This is not something that is new. Just like in Europe, let’s say a river flows across several countries.

“Based on international conventions, all countries have the right to draw water from the river.

“Similarly, we have the right to draw water from Sungai Muda and the right to its usage as long as we do not affect the right of future generations to use it,” he said.

International water law enables nations to peacefully share a river basin and essentially states that riparian nations – those across which, or along which, a river flows – have any legal right, apart from an agreement, to use the water of a river.

On a separate matter, Chow said the state was still considering whether or not to have a state-level Chinese New Year celebration depending on the situation.

“We will monitor the situation and see if it allows us to organise an open house on a smaller scale, but this (depends on) the state exco discussion.

“Even if we were to hold one, it will not be on the first day of the Lunar New Year as it is usually reserved for time with our families,” he said.