STATE POLLS | PAS has poured cold water on political rivals hoping to create a splash in the contest for its decades-long stronghold of Kelantan.
The state’s caretaker deputy menteri besar Mohd Amar Abdullah said the water issue is not a major concern for the locals.
He said this is because the people have the option of using wells or building tube wells apart from relying on water from Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd.
“We have explained to them about the problem. Based on our experience when meeting the people, they understand (the situation).
“The noise (surrounding the issue) is because of politics. A small issue is blown out of proportion. That is the problem.
“The kampung people understand, sometimes they resolve the issue themselves. For example, they dig wells or build tube wells. So it is not a major issue in the kampung,” he was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.
On the same note, Amar, who is also PAS vice-president, acknowledged there were certain areas which are problematic, and water tankers are dispatched to these places.
“Perhaps our weakness is in conveying to the people what steps have been taken.
“For example, in Teluk Mesira, Bachok, there were water supply problems before I became the assemblyperson. But this was remedied after we constructed a mini water treatment plant.
“We use the technology developed by a local to clean the water… The water is so clean that it can be drunk straight from the tap,” he added.
In the last state election, PAS won 37 out of the 45 seats in Kelantan and is expected to repeat a strong performance on Aug 12.
However, Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah believes that the water issue would be one of the factors to power the winds of change in the east coast state.
“I believe the people will change the government after seeing PAS’ failure to resolve issues affecting the rakyat, especially the water supply.
“What can PAS do to convince the people if it is unable to prove its capabilities for the past 30 years?” he said.
‘Irresponsible and alarming’
Meanwhile, Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad slammed Amar’s statement as irresponsible and alarming.
He said any construction of wells for groundwater extraction should comply with the requirements and guidelines of the authorities because there is a risk of high metal content in the soil, which is harmful to health.
“Kelantan’s water supply is indeed problematic, with the majority of the state’s population not being supplied with clean and quality water,” Bernama quoted Nik Nazmi, who also received various complaints regarding the water supply every time he visited Kelantan.
In a statement today, Nik Nazmi said he through his ministry would continue to monitor the water situation in Kelantan and reiterated the commitment of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the government to resolve the state’s water supply issues. - Mkini
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