PENANG has strongly denied accusations of favouritism in handling the state’s water shortages, countering claims made by an opposition leader.
The state infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari refuted allegations that the DAP-led administration’s actions were racially motivated.
Expressing his disbelief, Zairil responded to statements made by Kedah Menteri Besar (MB) Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor, who had accused the Penang government of discrimination in water distribution.
“I am shocked to hear such a statement from an MB. The Penang government categorically denies that there is any racial motive in the distribution of water.”
Sanusi, also the Perikatan Nasional (PN) election director, made these claims during the launch of PN’s by-election machinery for Sungai Bakap.
Sanusi had questioned why areas like Sungai Bakap were experiencing severe water issues while places like George Town had an adequate supply, suggesting the discrimination was racially motivated. He referred to Sungai Bakap, a PAS stronghold, implying political bias in resource distribution.
“Why is there no water in this area (Sungai Bakap), but there is water in Tanjung (George Town)? This is a Tok Lebai area,” said Sanusi, using a label given to PAS supporters.
Moreover, Zairil explained that the water issues in Seberang Perai South including Sungai Bakap were due to a sudden increase in demand.
“The issues had been addressed through various measures by the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), which had implemented four mitigation projects including raising the capacity of the Bukit Panchor water treatment plant and installing new pump tanks in Taman Widuri.
“The affected areas in Mukim 5, Sungai Bakap, were home to all races.”
According to Zairil, it is beyond belief that the Kedah MB chooses to play racial politics on the issue of water and irresponsible of him to even suggest that.
Furthermore, residents in Sungai Bakap have faced significant water disruptions with low pressure or no water from 6pm to midnight almost daily and prolonged outages during festive seasons.
Despite PBAPP’s announcement of RM25 mil worth of projects last year, residents have reported no significant improvements.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently announced that Perak would supply water to Penang. This new source is expected to provide a more stable water supply to the Seberang Perai South district including Sungai Bakap. – June 12, 2024
Main photo credit: Yahoo News
