Penang CM tells Kedah to seek raw water payments via court
Published: Aug 26, 2024 10:15 PM
The Penang government has urged the Kedah government to go through legal means should it wish to seek payment charges for the raw water taken from the Muda River by Penang and not through the media.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he had repeatedly explained Penang’s stand on the issue and pointed out that Kedah should start such claims in court.
“I have never received a letter of demand from court by the Kedah government. Kedah should commence the claim via the courts so that they can decide on it,” he told reporters after officiating the soft launch of the latest One Click Hub app in Komtar today.
Chow was responding to news reports that the Kedah government would continue to demand raw water charges from Penang and that Penang has failed to make a single payment to Kedah even though the claims were made since 2010.
He also reiterated that it was clear from a legal standpoint that Penang draws water from the Muda River from within state borders.
“This matter is governed by law, whoever is dissatisfied can take legal action,” he said, as he described the latest payment demands by Kedah as a political game played by its leaders.
- Bernama
Basic law, upstream States do not have the right to blockade the water supply, and downstream states have the right to draw water from their side.
ReplyDeleteThe River water comes from Nature it doesn't "belong" to the upstream state.
However , Kedah has a point that Penang does have an obligation to contribute to the sustenance of the natural environment of the catchment area. There needs to be mutual cooperation to help Mother Nature maintain its bounty.