SHAH ALAM, NOV 21: The claim made by the Selangor UMNO Information Chief Datuk Zein Isma that citizens will bear an annual water tariff of RM1,200 if the State Government sticks to its decision to take over Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH) with the RM2.7 billion offer is far-fetched.
Selangor KEADILAN Information Chief Shuhaimi Shafiei said the accusation was clearly made to put down the State Government, as the fact is, the deal is still under negotiation.
“The State Government’s stand is to ensure the takeover of SPLASH meets the terms of justice for all, accountability, transparency; and is not to burden people.
“The State Government has always been thorough in the water industry restructuring issues, including taking into account opinions of various parties and setting-up Panel Penilai Air Selangor (PANEL), to ensure the restructuring is done fairly and to the benefit of citizens in the future,” he said in a statement on November 21.
Commenting further, Shuhaimi also disputed Zein’s theory and described it as a ridiculous comment relating to the SPLASH acquisition.
“I hope the assumptions of the UMNO Information Chief were not made under the influence of any prohibited or intoxicating substances,” he said.
The Sri Muda Assemblyman also said that the State Government’s integrity and transparency clearly gives prioritises citizens on any issues arising.
“The Free Water Programe is far more beneficial to the majority of citizens, in addition to the other programmes such as Mesra Usia Emas Scheme, Warisan Anak Selangor Fund, free bus service, Peduli Sihat scheme and the basic free university education scheme.
“Therefore we can compare the Federal Government’s BR1M of a meagre RM2.60 a day, compared to the burden borne by the people as a result of severe price hikes on kitchen items, Goods & Service Tax (GST) and oil prices,” he said.
Shuhaimi: Zain’s assumption on SPLASH is ridiculous
