THE GREEN EQUILIBRIUM

WATER resource and land use are under state governments’ jurisdiction. So, if I were a mentri besar or chief minister of a state, this is what I would strive to achieve in five years.

Ensure my state fully implements the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (WSIA) model for water treatment and supply during the first year. This will allow assetlight development for water services and my state’s water company to be monitored strictly to deliver its services to fulfil development needs.

By the third year, I will merge water treatment and supply of my state’s water company with sewerage services to ensure long-term sustainability of the company. It will also allow my state to manage water resources more prudently and effectively. Merging sewerage services with water treatment and supply under one company is part of the WSIA model.

Make sure Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) funds restructuring of water services industry in my state under WSIA fully. Asset-light model is where PAAB is allowed to fund assets fully unless the state has other cheaper funding sources as stipulated in the restructuring exercise agreement between state and federal governments. All new capital expenditure is to be funded by PAAB or other cheaper sources.

Entreat the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water as well as the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) follow WSIA fully to protect my state’s interests. Failing to do so, we will seek judicial review and compel the