SHAH ALAM, 23 Feb 2009: The Selangor government has reiterated its RM5.9 billion offer to take over the operations and maintenance of the four water concessionaires in the state.
“Although we are willing to be part of the federal government’s move to negotiate directly with the water concessionaires to acquire the assets, the decision on the state government’s offer of between RM5.5 billion to RM5.9 billion for the assets is final,” Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said.
Khalid was speaking to reporters after attending the state government departments monthly assembly held at the State Secretariat building today.
On 20 Feb 2009, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd and Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) had turned down the Selangor government’s offer to take over the two companies.
Puncak Niaga said one of the reasons why the offer was unacceptable was because the offer price by the state government was low at RM1.61 billion.
Syabas said the offer price was low and inadequate to settle the company’s RM3.3 billion debts and loans and other liabilities.
Meanwhile, Khalid said that if the federal government intended to negotiate so that they could buy over the assets of the state water concessionaires, then the first 20 cubic metres of free water given monthly to each consumer should not cease.
“The important consideration is that there should be a continuity of 20 cubic metres of free water to the public and no rise in water tariffs on 31 March,” he said.
Khalid also stressed that the state government would uphold its pledge to operate the water industry efficiently when its offer is accepted by the federal government and the water concessionaires, latest by March 31.
The date was set by the federal government. — Bernama
See also:
Selangor govt cries foul
