Several NGOs have voiced their frustration over the news that the water deal between Selangor and the federal government has lapsed.

 

They urged both governments to go back to the negotiating table and finish the restructuring of Selangor water industry by this year.

 

“Both the governments have been working relentlessly for seven years in order to complete the water industry restructuring plan in Selangor and now we are back to square one…

 

“This basic right should not be treated as a bargaining chip for political mileage at the expense of the people in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. We are tired of all this nonsense,” the groups said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

 

The statement was endorsed by the Water and Energy Consumer Association of Malaysia (Wecam), the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) and Forum Air Malaysia.

 

On Monday, Selangor Menteri Besar Mohd Azmin Ali announced that the water agreement has lapsed and would not be extended.

 

The state government and the federal government have accused each other of breaching the terms of the agreement.

 

Under the water agreement, Selangor will facilitate the construction of the Langat 2 treatment plant, provided the federal government helps the state complete the takeover of all water concessionaires in the state.

The agreement was for most parts spearheaded on the state side by Azmin’s predecessor Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, whom PKR accused of not consulting the party on such decisions.

Khalid resigned and Azmin took over as MB on Sept 24, 2014.

 

'Empty promises'

Meanwhile in separate statements, state MCA and Gerakan leaders accuse Azmin of politicking without consideration of Selangor’s water issues and the welfare of its consumers.

 

“With memories of last year's water shortage woes still vivid, and with a common knowledge of the Pakatan-led state government's many unfulfilled promises, we want Azmin Ali to stop making empty promises and that the state government will ensure sufficient water supply,” said Selangor MCA chief Ng Chok Sin ( right ).

 

In addition to the threat of water shortages, Selangor Gerakan chief David Ang Chin Tat said there are also other problems to deal with such as the need to reduce non-revenue water and monopoly in the industry.

 

“It  was  unfortunate  that  Azmin  had taken  things  into  his  own  hands  by opting for such a drastic decision to cancel the water deal out of all the options available,” he said.