Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali has refuted claims by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak that RM2.7 billion will have to be paid to take over Syarikat Pengeluar  Air Selangor Holdings (Splash).   

The former Selangor menteri besar noted that negotiations on the acquisitions and restructuring of the water industry in Selangor were still ongoing between the state government and the company.

"When I left the state after the election, the negotiation process was extended until July 4. It was mutually agreed upon by the federal and state governments.

"I was told that with the Cabinet’s approval it was extended for another month since then," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby in commenting on Najib’s claims that the Selangor government would purchase Splash for RM2.7 billion.

According to him the negotiation process between the parties involved resumed under the new Menteri Besar.

Azmin added that the previous federal government had engaged an independent valuer but "we do not know what was the value cited by the independent valuer".

“However, by now I'm sure the state will have access to all this information and they will have to sit down, discuss and decide on the actual value that needs to be paid to Splash. But I'm not part of the negotiation team," he said.

At the same time, he stressed that the interests of the people of Selangor should be protected and they must not be burdened with high tariff rates following the acquisition of Splash.

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar, when asked to comment on the matter said an announcement on the latest development over the water restructuring issue would only be made after negotiations between the related parties were completed.

“I still want to keep to the deadline of Aug 10 this year...I think we will make an announcement in a few days,” he said.

- Bernama