The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry believes that the rise in demand for water in Selangor cannot be met by just reducing the rate of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) proposed by the Selangor state government because the matter involves heavy and continuous investment.

In a statement today, the ministry said the federal government still believed that the Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant project should be implemented immediately to prevent a water shortfall in the state.

The ministry also dismissed the Selangor state government's contention that a water crisis would only occur in 2019 and stressed that a water shortfall would most likely occur in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya by 2012.

NONE "If the implementation of the project is further postponed, chances of the people being exposed to a water supply crisis were higher besides a wastage of public funds as a result of higher costs," it added.

Prior to this, Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim ( left ) was reported to have said that the water project should only be implemented in 2019 and proposed to the federal government to reduce the NRW rate and implement the rainwater harvesting system.

The ministry said that since the implementation of the project was critical, it should be carried out immediately for the sake of the people and should not be linked to the restructuring of water industry in Selangor.

- Bernama