Friday, April 17, 2009

Chin aims to settle water assets issue quickly


PUTRAJAYA: Newly-appointed Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui will meet the Selangor government over the state’s intended takeover of water assets from the concessionaires.

As he had just taken over the portfolio, he said: “I understand the need for fast action as delays will only mean bigger expenditure for all parties involved. I will asked the ministry officers involved to brief me quickly and I will also seek comments from my predecessor Datuk Shaziman (Mansor).”

Earlier, Shaziman, the former Energy, Water and Telecommunications Minister, handed his duties over to Chin in a simple ceremony.

On the Selangor government’s call for former Energy, Water and Telecommunications Minister Tun Dr Lim Keng Yaik to represent the Federal Government in the takeover negotiations, Chin said he had no problems getting Dr Lim involved.

“But we must remember that this issue also involves dealings between the state and Federal governments so I have to look into the procedures to see if Dr Lim can be involved,” he said.

Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim on Wednesday call for Dr Lim’s involvement on grounds that he was familiar with the Water Services Industry Act 2006 and the country’s water industry.

The acquisition of the state’s water industry involves four concessionaires - Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), Konsortium ABASS Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd.

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