Water crisis: Learn from Mahathir’s blunder

November 27, 2012

The fake water crisis in Selangor, manufactured by BN, features the same blunder that Mahathir made, forcing Singapore to look to technology for water self-efficiency.

COMMENT

By Chua Jui Meng

Singapore’s $9 billion per annum water industry exposes Barisan Nasional government as incompetent, unable to think out of the box.

The island republic is now thanking Malaysia’s former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad for its current $9 billion per annum water industry.

If not for Mahathir’s devious intentions and actions to use the raw water supply to hold Singapore to ransom, the island republic today would not have such a thriving industry.

So, Mahathir is, after all, not all that Machiavellian?

Only a man without conscience will threaten to deny human beings their right and thirst for water.

Let’s now look at Selangor’s water issues for a parallel comparison. The ongoing Langat 2 dispute between the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government and the BN federal government is another inhumane attempt to try and hold the people of Selangor to ransom.

The BN’s intention to bulldoze the construction of the RM8.6 billion Langat 2 water treatment plant is to realise its share of the gravy train for its cronies which is also linked to the RM60 million annual royalty for raw water supply from Pahang.

When completed, the people of Selangor will be burdened with a 100% hike in water rates.

The fake water crisis, perpetuated by BN, features the same blunder that Mahathir made, forcing Singapore to look to technology for water self-efficiency. Mahathir’s not so Machiavellian move is now a blessing in disguise for Singapore.

As it is, all seven dams in Selangor are operating and supplying sufficient raw water. All 34 water treatment plants in the state are also running smoothly to ensure adequate supply of treated water in the state.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin had also tried to cow Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim by saying construction of Langat 2 would proceed with or without the approval of the state.

That only reflects Muhyiddin’s “bully boy” mentality and his utter contempt of law. I reiterate the Selangor government’s stand that there is no necessity for Langat 2.

Shortage of raw water in Selangor?

Langat 1 was constructed to resolve the 2009 water crisis in the state. Fewer than three years after, why is there the need for Langat 2?

The real issue is Syabas’ inefficient and incompetent management to ensure smooth treated water supply in the state. The beef with Syabas is the 30% loss in Non Revenue Water (NRW).

According to the Selangor government, a 10% reduction in NRW would save 500 million litres of water a day for the state and consumers.

It will do BN leaders well to learn from its selfish mismanagement and its greed to remain in power at all cost.

You are elected to serve the people, not for your personal cause and financial well being. Learn from Mahathir’s blunder that is now benefiting Singapore.

Chua Jui Meng is PKR vice-president and Johor state chief. He is also a former MCA vice-president and an ex-Cabinet member.