Section 114 of Wasia to be gazetted in 2 weeks' time

Section 114 of Wasia to be gazetted in 2 weeks' time
Posted on 21 March 2014 - 05:37am
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KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Government will gazette Section 114 Act 655 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 in two weeks' time to acquire control of the operations of water concessionaires in Selangor.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili said he needs to meet the Cabinet Committee on the Selangor water issue next week, and then the Attorney-General, to decide on gazetting the section.

Ongkili told reporters this after delivering the opening address at the AsiaWater 2014 Exhibition, here yesterday.

Yesterday, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said he would meet Ongkili to discuss the need to invoke Section 114 of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 (WASIA).

"Once the relevant Act is invoked, there is a structure that will be formed and announced," Ongkili said.

Under Section 114 Act 655, the federal government via the National Water Services Commission (SPAN)has the right to acquire control of the operations of the concessionaires.

He said under the Act regime, a team of administrators facilitated by SPAN will manage and control water supply in Selangor, and deliberate the issue of eventual ownership by the state government.

Both Ongkili and Abdul Khalid will meet today to discuss the matter.

"We've been meeting weekly," Ongkili said.

The minister has also refuted claims that the ministry had deviated from the original intention stipulated in the recent memorandum of understanding signed on the restructuring of Selangor's water industry.

"The intention to restructure the state's water industry is there. But there is also a process to be followed. Everything will be fine," he said. – Bernama