SHAH ALAM, February 23 – The Dato’ Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today said the Selangor state had two conditions if the Federal Government wanted to take over the water concession management in this state.

He said, the two conditions were that the Federal Government could not increase water rates on March 31st and continue to give 20 cubic metres of  water free for individual meter users in this state.

Abdul Khalid said the state government was ready to renegotiate with the National Water Services Commission to settle the purchasing process.

However, he said, the state government would not change the offer price of RM5.9 billion for the water concession take over. 

“No matter what happens the Selangor government stands by that offer and if it is taken up, the state government is willing to pay RM5.9 billion for the take over.

“And if the concession is taken over by the Federal government, the state government will also ensure that there is no increase in water rates and continue to give free water for 20 cubic metres to the people of Selangor,” he said to reporters after attending Monthly Gathering Ceremony for the Selangor State Government Departments at the Dataran Dewan  Undangan  Negeri Selangor here this morning.

This month’s gathering was hosted by the Selangor State Government Secretariat Office.

Also present were the State Secretary, Dato’ Ramli Mahmud and members of the State Executive Council (Exco).

Abdul Khalid in his speech this morning also asked government officers to understand the efforts of the Selangor state government and Exco members in giving the best service to the rakyat.

He also explained how the state government wanted to come to a decision on the negotiations with water concession holders as well as its relationship with the federal governments.

“I want them to understand the state government’s way of thinking in deciding this issue to ensure a reasonable price that does not burden the people of Selangor with increased water rates and to ensure continuation of the free 20 cubic metres for individual meter uses,” he said, adding a reminder on the economic problems currently being faced worldwide.

He also hoped the global economic crisis would serve as a reminder to civil servants in the state to be more hardworking and capable, polite and frugal in all situations to ensure they gave the best service for the people of Selangor. – MURIZA ABDUL HAMID