KUALA LUMPUR – The government will soon issue an official statement clarifying the appointment of Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din as chairman of the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
Fadillah, who also serves as energy transition and water transformation minister, addressed growing speculation surrounding the legitimacy of Abdul Kadir’s appointment, including whether he had stepped down from positions that may pose a conflict of interest.
“We will release an official statement soon on Abdul Kadir’s appointment as SPAN chairman. For now, I cannot comment further,” Fadillah told reporters at the launch of the BijakAir Madani campaign at the Hulu Langat water treatment plant.
Abdul Kadir began his two-year term with SPAN on May 5. He is currently listed as the managing director of wastewater consultancy Sacra Sol Sdn Bhd and serves as an advisor to Ranhill Holdings Bhd, which is linked to Ranhill SAJ Sdn Bhd – the main water service provider in Johor.
His appointment has drawn scrutiny over transparency and governance standards, particularly regarding the influence of private sector interests in regulatory bodies.
Bersatu MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan has publicly raised concerns, questioning whether Abdul Kadir had relinquished all other roles that may overlap with his duties at SPAN.
“Those in regulatory positions should not be directly involved in commercial entities operating in the same sector,” said the Tasek Gelugor MP.
Abdul Kadir is a veteran of the water services industry, having previously served as CEO of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), COO of Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB), and president of the Malaysian Water Association.
He replaces Charles Santiago, who completed his second term as SPAN chairman. Santiago first held the position from 2018 to 2020 and was reappointed in 2022. – May 8, 2025