SHAH ALAM, May 14 — The Selangor state and the federal government will make a final stand on a decision to invoke Section 114 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (WSIA) by Friday, as part of a process to take over the water concession in the state which falls under a water restructuring exercise.
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the date for the announcement was made after discussions with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water and positive response from the Federal government.
The invocation would allow for the acquisition of the four concessionaires involved — Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium ABASS Sdn Bhd (Abass) based on the compensation model detailed in the concession agreements.
“To carry out discussions on WSIA, the main focus will be decide on the rights of the concessionaire, assets and the take over of operations which will take effect at least a week after a decision was made.
“So far the Federal government has given a positive response,” he told reporters after a state exco meeting, here today.
He said if Section 114 of WSIA was invoked in the restructure of the water industry in the state, the four concessionaires must accept whatever decision taken because such decisions would be made in accordance with the prevailing laws.
Khalid said though the concessionaires can challenge the decision to invoke Section 114, the provision will continue to be used as the right forum to restructure the water industry in Selangor.
Meanwhile, the state would also ensure that there was enough raw water and treated water supply throughout the state this year and next year. — Bernama
