By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, July 26 — The state government has gradually replaced more than 600km of old pipes since 2016, for the convenience and use of the people, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the replacement of critical pipes was made a priority, but acknowledged it needed some time to carry out, due to the high costs involved.
“Many have said we should replace all the pipes, but this has to be done economically. Johor began replacing pipes in 1998 and only completed it in 2019, taking 20 years to do so.
“We started in 2016, and it is ongoing. Selangor’s total area is around the same size as Johor at 26,000km. For those who are looking to criticise, the pipe replacement works carried out during my tenure is actually longer,” Amirudin said.
Speaking at the Sembang Katup Pintu chat show yesterday night, he said the construction of the Sungai Rasau Water Treatment Plant is the largest project by the state government to date, to meet users’ needs.
Similarly, the Menteri Besar referred to the Opposition’s attempts at manipulating and using the water issue for political gains as ‘shallow’.
“If we want to talk about the water issue, I can discuss it. But when it becomes a political issue and people try to manipulate it, the information will not reach the intended audience,” he said.
Prior to this, Amirudin said Selangor has 30,000km of pipes, with 6,000km being critical and needing immediate replacement, but must be gradually carried out due to the high costs involved.
