Perak considers Penang’s request to purchase treated water supply

Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad confirmed that an application from Penang to purchase treated water from the state was received two months ago. The Perak Water Board (LAP) currently sells treated water to users in the Nibong Tebal area, situated adjacent to Parit Buntar, based on cubic meters.

Saarani expressed readiness to discuss the matter with the Penang state government, noting that they had previously requested to buy raw water, but the request could not be fulfilled. The sale of treated water, however, will depend on whether there is enough supply for Perak’s own use.

Saarani made this statement at a press conference following the “Meet The Clients Day” programme at the Indera Mulia Stadium.

The press conference was held in response to Jelutong MP RSN Rayer’s request for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to intervene and allow negotiations for Penang to obtain raw water supply from Perak, particularly through Sungai Perak. Rayer also called for engagement sessions between the federal government, Perak, and Penang to discuss the matter during the Dewan Rakyat sitting last week.

In March last year, Saarani insisted that the decision not to supply water to Penang took into account several studies on the impact of water outflow from Sungai Perak on the performance of its dams for electricity generation and the manufacturing sector’s use.