The Selangor government has been urged to stop politicising the restructuring of water tariff due to the construction of Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant (LAL 2).
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kuisaid the issue did not arise as the tariffs were determined by Selangor government and not federal government.
In addition, the Selangor government had also granted approval to federal government to build LAL 2.
“I don’t have the power to determine the price, it (restructuring of water tariff) is no longer an issue. I ask the Selangor government to give immediate approval to the water project for the welfare of people in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya,” he said when responding to arguments by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (PKR-Permatang Pauh) when winding up the motion of thanks for the royal address by his ministry here Monday.
Anwar had earlier defended Selangor government’s action in delaying LAL 2 construction as he was confident it would burden the people with high water tariffs by the federal government.
Chin said that he never closed the door on negotiations with Selangor government on restructuring and construction of the water plant but the decision needed urgent attention at it involved the people.
He said this was important as, by 2014, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Putrajaya were expected to face a water crisis if the project was not constructed.
“If we have approval (Selangor government), work can start tomorrow or the day after. I have the allocation and the design is also ready.
“In the interest of people of Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, I hope the Selangor government doesn’t make the restructuring of tariffs as bargaining chip for this project,” he added.
