GEORGE TOWN: The Penang state government is ready to be taken to court by Kedah over the latter’s demand for payment for raw water drawn from Sg Muda, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said.
He was responding to Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor who yesterday said Kedah would take Penang to court.
Chow today reiterated his stand that it was up to Kedah to take appropriate measures in demanding for payment for raw water, instead of spouting rhetoric.
“We (Penang) will answer them in the court,” the chief minister told reporters after attending a lease agreement ceremony at Ascott Hotel, here, today.
When asked about Penang’s chances of winning the case, Chow said there are laws and international conventions on the sharing of raw water sources that pass through several countries or states.
On August 26, Chow challenged the Kedah government to take the Penang government to court if it was serious about demanding payment for raw water drawn from the river which runs through both states. Penang taps water from it on its side of the border to treat and supply to 85% of its population.
Reiterating Penang’s refusal to accede to Kedah’s repeated demands for payment, Chow said the PAS-led state should initiate legal action if it was serious.
The law is clear, he added, that Penang can draw raw water from Sg Muda from within its borders.
Last week, Kedah’s Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Sources, and Environment exco, Mohamad Yusoff @ Munir Zakaria said the Kedah government would continue pressing Penang to pay raw water charges. — September 3, 2024