Minister: Putrajaya may reshuffle, take over AKSB if needed

 

STATE POLLS | Putrajaya could reshuffle, or take over the management of Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) if water problems in the state worsen.

Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said this would be the last resort under the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (Wasia), provided AKSB cooperates with the idea.

The minister, however, stressed that the situation has not gone to that extent at the moment.

"Following our meetings with the Sabah and Kelantan state governments, we have identified several short and long-term projects that have to be prioritised.

"The (federal) government does not rule out the possibility of reshuffling AKSB as former minister Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man had also acknowledged weaknesses in the water services provider's management," Nik Nazmi told a press conference after attending a ceramah in Kota Bharu, last night.

"Under Wasia, the government can choose to do that (reshuffle), and we will not rule out other possibilities (taking over) if the water issues worsen," he added.

Kelantan Perikatan Nasional recently revealed its state election manifesto, which included the rebranding of AKSB.

Aside from the rebranding, there was no detailed plan given on how to resolve the water woes faced by the state.

Nik Nazmi reiterated that taking over the state water management would be the last resort, should all other measures fail.

"If the situation becomes critical, the federal government will look at whether a reshuffle or takeover is needed. But it has not come to that yet," he said. - Mkini