MP questions move to involve Singapore in Johor’s water study

 

Kubang Kerian MP Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man suggested that the natural resources, environment and climate change ministry disclose details of the country’s century-long water agreement with Singapore. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: An opposition MP has raised concerns about Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to involve Singapore in a study on the management of water resources in Johor.

Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) said the suggestion exceeded “acceptable limits”, as water resources fell under the jurisdiction of the states.

“In my view, foreign nations should not be involved in our country’s water management study due to its implications for national security,” the former environment and water minister said in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said this when interjecting during natural resources, environment and climate change minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad’s reply to points raised on the debate of the 2024 budget.

Tuan Ibrahim also suggested that the natural resources, environment and climate change ministry disclose details of the country’s century-long water agreement with Singapore.

Following the 10th Singapore-Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat on Monday, Anwar offered to allow Singapore to take part in a study on optimising water sourcing and management from Sungai Johor.

Currently, Singapore buys raw water from Johor at the price of three sen per 1,000 gallons. The republic also sells back treated water to Johor for 50 sen per 1,000 gallons.

During the Dr Mahathir Mohamad-led Pakatan Harapan government in 2018, there was a plan to review the price of raw water supplied to the republic.

In response to Tuan Ibrahim, Nik Nazmi said revisiting certain aspects of the water agreement was important, as the last discussion took place in late 2019 or early 2020, and there were now some new issues.

He explained that the original agreement had limits on the amount of raw water sold to Singapore and the quantity of processed water taken by Johor.

“According to the original agreement, there is a limit … if used beyond that, a higher rate must be paid. But now there is a compromise where Johor is allowed to take more at a lower rate.

“We see that Johor has a very high demand for water, and we need a comprehensive solution to this.”

As such, Nik Nazmi said the best approach was to restart discussions and find a solution that would benefit Johor while safeguarding the country’s interests. - FMT