GEORGE TOWN: The state government must explore all available resources to reduce Penang's high dependence on water from Sungai Muda, says Chow Kon Yeow.
In his winding-up speech, the Chief Minister said several mud floods have caused water disruptions for thousands of users in Penang.
"Therefore, the purchase of treated water from Perak is one option that the state government should seriously consider," he said on the last day of the state legislative assembly on Thursday (Nov 30).
He said the state government initially focused on obtaining raw water from Perak, but after several negotiations and letters, the state government did not receive a positive response.
He added that Perak has expressed willingness to sell treated water to Penang, saying that when the sale involves treated water it is understood that the water will be treated in Perak before being sold to Penang.
On Nov 11, Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad confirmed that the state government had agreed to sell treated water to Penang following an agreement between the state secretaries.
The matter was agreed upon before initiating the application process for an allocation from the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry to construct a water treatment plant in Kerian, Perak.
He had said the plant is expected to address irrigation challenges in Kerian and facilitate water supply for a new high-tech industrial area planned for development on a 400ha site within the district.
On Nov 2, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said he was informed that both states had indicated their readiness to discuss the water deal.
