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GEORGE TOWN: The state will only consider negotiating with Kedah if the water issue reaches the official government-to-government level.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the issue is only being discussed in the media, but there has been no official communication between the two state governments other than a letter sent by Kedah Water Corporation in September.
“We have responded to the letter sent to Penang Water Supply Corporation that Penang will not pay any charges for the raw water drawn from Sungai Muda.
“Even the federal minister recognizes our right to draw water and has volunteered to act as a mediator, it was rejected by Kedah Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
“We will look into the matter if there is an official communication from the Kedah government,” Chow said after the inauguration ceremony of the Ideal residential project in Bukit Gelugor on Sunday (December 27).
The two governments are in dispute over water rights, and Kedah said he is contemplating legal action against Penang if the latter refuses to pay water charges, which he claims amount to RM50,000.
On Saturday (December 26), Penang Vice Minister II Dr. P. Ramasamy said the state was ready for a “water war” in court with the Kedah government.
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