Water problems in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya can be resolved within three months, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Maximus Ongkili.

However, he said the issue would only be solved in the near future if the federal and state governments reached an agreement on various issues and are willing to compromise.

"Of course we all want to solve these issues soon, if possible within three months. The federal government has previously submitted proposals on how to resolve this matter," he told reporters after attending a dialogue with the relevant industry players together with the related ministries in Putrajaya today.

Ongkili ( right ) said the go NONE vernment had received a detailed proposal from the Selangor government regarding the restructuring process of the water supply industry in Selangor, over the past six weeks.

"Yesterday, a cabinet committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin met on it and will now brief the cabinet on our response to the Selangor government's proposals," he said.

Prior to this, Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim had said he had received a letter from Prime Minister Najib Razak dated June 19 that he was willing to hold discussions to complete the restructuring of the water industry in the state in accordance with the Water Services Industry Act 2006.

Asked on measures to be taken if the issue became deadlocked, Ongkili said that both the state and federal governments could resolve the matter through negotiations without having to resort to any legal action.

In another development, Ongkili said as of June 30, as many as 2,306 applications for renewable energy generation had been received, since the Sustainable Energy Development Authority was established.

However, only 1,644 applications had been approved, he added.

In Shah Alam, Abdul Khalid said he was looking forward to the finalisation of the water concession issue in the state in view of the favourable response from the government over the matter.

He reiterated that the state intends to restructure the water services industry in a holistic manner to ensure the four water concession companies in Selangor are consolidated into one entity.

He told this to reporters after attending an Aidilfitri reception hosted by Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) in Shah Alam today.

- Bernama