IPOH, July 27 ― All companies extracting underground mineral water in Perak must pay appropriate royalties to the state government, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.

He said there were companies that had reaped huge profits but failed to pay the royalties or the amount they were paying was inappropriate.

"Mineral resources and water resources are subject to laws and regulations, in which there is a certain fee that will be imposed (for its usage) except for charity purposes, school or family needs.

"Do not get caught in a massive enforcement crackdown on those using the water (state’s resources) illegally,” he told reporters after the state executive council meeting, here today.

Asked on the possibility of the state government taking legal action against those who failed to pay the royalties, Zambry said he did not see it as the best way but preferred the negotiation approach.

Meanwhile, Zambry said he had directed a special team together with the state Public Works Department to monitor the accident cases that occurred frequently at Jalan Simpang Pulai-Cameron Highlands.

In the latest incident yesterday, 21 foreign tourists, a bus driver and a local woman suffered minor injuries when the tour bus they were on skidded at KM19, Jalan Keramat Pulai here. ― Bernama