Water issues need to be ironed out Perak assembly told

IPOH: Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir (BN-Pangkor) said there are still issues to be ironed out in the sale of raw water negotiations to Penang and Selangor.
"There is no hindrance to sell water but we want the best for the people and the state. There are some outstanding problems to be cleared," he said adding the proposal to supply water to Penang is from Kerian river.
"There is no political interference but various factors have to be considered before it can be materialised," he told reporters on the sidelines of the state assembly.
He said this when asked to comment on Wong Kah Wah (DAP-Canning) proposal inside the State Assembly that the deal could bring additional income to the state.
He said they cannot supply raw water as it possibly need to treated by a third party before selling at a higher price.
He added discussions were still ongoing with Penang Government and now Selangor also expressed interest in buying water as there are rivers flowing to both states.
Zambry said they would see both parties and coordinate the deal with National Water Services Commission.
On another subject, Zambry said the state's debts are not as serious as portrayed by the opposition as water debts are not part of it.
"Our debts are only RM55.5 million and we are making schedule payments as agreed. This money was given to the state by the Federal Government for projects.
"Perak is one of the states which settled payments yearly," he added.
The other debts are owed by Perak Water Board which totalled RM284 million.
"This is part of a loan given by the Federal Government for water projects," he added.