PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups have called on the Selangor and federal government to find a win--win solution to the water crisis but warned water concessionaire Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) not to politicise the matter.
The Federation of Consumer Associations Malaysia's (Fomca) secretary--general Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said Syabas must understand the water crisis is beyond partisan politics because it involves public interest.
"This is my opinion. Syabas should act professionally in discussing this matter with the state government as the authority and client. Those in Syabas with interests should not use their position for partisan politics and use the Langat 2 issue in their political game.
"The stakeholders in the water transfer project from Pahang to Selangor also need to cooperate with the federal government, state governments and the National Water Services Commission (Span) and if necessary fi nd a solution through arbitration," he said.
Fomca chief executive Datuk Paul Selva Raj added both governments must reach an agreement to avoid a repeat of the 1998 Klang Valley water crisis when Klang Gates Dam, Batu Dam and Semenyih Dam suff ered a drop in water level.
He said: "I don't want to blame here and there... if people are honest, both are genuine and do not want to score political points then an agreement can be reached.
Water is too fundamental and the people's welfare must be put first."
Klang Consumer Association president Devdass Anjan echoed that the crisis has been diluted with partisan politics between the federal and state government.
He said, "we need an independent body to verify the data claimed by both parties. The current situation is not being helped by rumours certain NGOs supposedly receive funds from interested parties and you can see how this matter is being politicised.
"The federal and state government must also not forget its role in educating the public on water conservation such rain water harvesting."
