Federal govt prepared to facilitate talks to resolve raw water issues between Penang, Kedah

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is prepared to serve as a facilitator in resolving the charges on raw water supply between Kedah and Penang, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said the issue of raw water charges between Kedah and Penang was subject to the jurisdiction of the state governments.

“The jurisdiction of the state government is in accordance with the Ninth Schedule of the Federal Constitution,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Hassan Saad (PN-Baling).

The Baling MP had asked if there were plans by the ministry to become an intermediary to resolve the charges on raw water resources to Penang from the Kedah government.

Nik Nazmi said both Kedah and Penang should find a mutual agreement to resolve the issues surrounding raw water resources that can benefit the two states.

The Ninth Schedule to the Federal Constitution sets out the Federal and State Lists containing the subjects on which the Federal and State Governments can legislate.

The Kedah government had previously submitted a written demand to Penang for over RM50mil in annual raw water charges as Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) obtains water supply from Sungai Muda, which flows from Kedah.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow dismissed the claims and said the water used by the state was from the river on its side of the border in accordance with international laws and rights.