Selangor Govt To Submit More Reasonable Compensation For Syabas

SHAH ALAM, April 30, 2008 (Bernama)

The Selangor government will submit a more reasonable compensation payment for Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) for the provision of free water for the first 20 cubic metres monthly to each household in the state effective this June 1.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said the compensation payment would be discussed with Syabas, with him submitting a more reasonable figure than that quoted previously.

"We have made our calculations... for the people to benefit from this move," he told reporters after opening an exhibition at Muzium Sultan Alam Shah here Tuesday.

Recently, former Menteri Besar and Sungai Panjang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said the state government needed to pay monthly compensation of about RM17 million to Syabas if it implemented the move.

Dr Mohamad Khir, who is also the opposition leader in the state assembly, said the amount was based on the charge for 20 cubic metres of water, which was RM11.40 and the 1.5 million consumers with individual water meters.

Abdul Khalid said discussions had been held and an indepth study made with Syabas and an agreement signed earlier between the state government and Syabas on the matter.

"We will implement the plan on June 1. I have sent a letter to Syabas on the the state government's decision and of course we will work on the implementation," he added.

On the dissolution of Balkis (Welfare Association of Wives of Selangor Elected Representatives) and the transfer of its funds, Abdul Khalid said the state government would only lodge a police report after getting clarification from the Registrar of Societies on the matter.

"Only then can we decide on what action to take. I need to be sure of the process before taking any action."

He said the state government so far had been receiving letters from companies which gave contributions to Balkis, with some wanting to know how the association was dissolved and whether it was done in accordance with its constitution.

It was earlier reported that Balkis' funds amounting to RM9.9 million had been transferred to Bakti, the Association of Wives of Barisan Nasional Ministers and Deputy Ministers, and that the new state government was investigating the matter.

Selangor government agencies like Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Berhad (KDEB) had contributed RM268,862 in 2007 and the Selangor State Development Corporation, RM590,379 between 2006 and 2007, for Balkis to carry out welfare and community service programmes.