Selangor has authority to override Syabas, says Khalid

July 17, 2012

 

SHAH ALAM, July 17 — Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the state government has the authority to override decisions by Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) in relation to applications for new developments in the state.

Based on the water privatisation concession, Selangor Water Regulator director Datuk Nordin Sulaiman, who is also Economic Planning Unit director, has the authority to do so, he explained.

Khalid (picture) noted that about 60 manufacturers are in jeopardy after their development applications were rejected by Syabas.

“Normally, every department would answer ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘can be considered’ but Syabas says ‘not recommended’.

“However, the state government has the Water Regulator to scrutinise the matter and Syabas is not the ultimate authority on the matter,” he said at a press conference after opening the Vibrant Selangor 2012: Seminar & Showcase organised by the Selangor State Investment Centre at the Shah Alam Convention Centre, here today.

Commenting on the state government’s proposal to take over the management of Syabas, he said the decision was made after a six-month evaluation of the likely problems that could arise from the company’s actions.

Khalid said Syabas and the federal government had been informed of the matter via written correspondence yesterday. — Bernama