Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government had the authority to override the decisions by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) in relation to applications for new developments in the state.  

Based on the water privatisation concession, Selangor Water Regulator director Nordin Sulaiman, who is also Economic Planning Unit director, had the authority to do so, he explained.

Abdul Khalid noted that about 60 manufacturers were jeopardised after their development applications were rejected by Syabas.  

“Normally, every department would answer ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘can be considered’ but Syabas says ‘not recommended’.  

“However, the state government has the Water Regulator to scrutinise the matter and Syabas is not the ultimate authority on the matter,” he said at a press conference after opening the Vibrant Selangor 2012: Seminar & Showcase organised by the Selangor State Investment Centre at the Shah Alam Convention Centre today.

Commenting on the state government’s proposal to take over the management of Syabas, he said the decision was made after a six-month evaluation of the likely problems which would arise from the company’s actions.  

Abdul Khalid said Syabas and the federal government had been informed of the matter through a letter, yesterday.

Meanwhile, Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairperson Noh Omar said the Selangor state government’s proposal to take over Syabas management was a tactic to scapegoat the sole water company as the cause of the water crisis.

“Syabas only sells treated water. It has nothing to do with the shortage of water,” said the Tanjong Karang member of parliament after a function in his constituency today.

He said they were just politicising the water issue.

- Bernama

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