As the National Water Services Commission (Span) is a public regulator of water operators in Malaysia, its chairperson Liang Teck Meng cannot use his position for political advantage, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

"This is not only unethical and unprofessional, but disclosing confidential information is a violation of secrecy laws under Section 41 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006," Lim said in a statement.

"Under the section, Span members and employees are barred from disclosing information obtained during their employment," Lim added.

If found guilty, they may be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed for a maximum of three years.

He was referring to a July 23 statement issued by Liang asking Lim to reveal the state's application letter to Span to increase water rates.

Liang denied that the federal government wants Penang to increase water rates, saying Lim's claims were "pure slander".

On July 28, Liang accused Lim of trying to defame him, but the former declined to counter sue him for defamation...