Zuraida slams Syabas, Selangor and ministry over water woes

Ampang MP Zuraida Kamaruddin has taken Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), the Selangor government and the Energy, Green Technology, and Water Ministry to task for not resolving the water issue in her Ampang and Gombak area which has lasted 10 days. Besides the three entities, she also questioned the local council and the Fire and Rescue Services Department for not helping to resolve the issue.

Describing the water disruption as a “national issue”, Zuraida (left), who is also PKR Wanita head, said this had resulted in the disruption of family functions during such a prolong period.

She claimed that she had visited the Syabas pump in Wangsa Maju on Jan 3, where upon asking the Syabas officers, they said that four of the five pumps are already working.

“However, Syabas claimed the next day that only two of the pumps are functioning. This should not be the case as Syabas should prepare or have back-up plans to rectify the situation.

“Is the Syabas facility poorly-maintained, resulting in this problem? It should have a first world culture mentality to ensure proper maintenance. Syabas should have a contingency plan to resolve this. At the same time, the Selangor government should have become involved and the ministry should investigate the matter,” she said.

It was previously reported that there had been water disruption in parts of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor since Dec 29. Syabas had also said they were having problems with the Wangsa Maju water pumps and also faulty water pumps at the Pudu Hulu Baru.

Zuraida said Syabas had confirmed a meeting with her on Thursday at 10.30am for her to get to know the problem.

She said as a result of the prolonged water disruption, families find it difficult to cook and do their laundry, and this has disrupted family functions, especially in areas where the lower-income families are staying.    

“This matter has to be resolved immediately so as not to burden the people further. Whatever the claims of differences between the Selangor government and Syabas (regarding payment) is not the issue here, as they should resolve the water supply issue first,” he said.

[More to follow]