Akmal Slams Kedah Govt Over Delay In Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

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Deputy Energy Transition and Public Utilities Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir has lambasted the Kedah state government over delays in upgrading the Bukit Selambau water treatment plant.
In a video posted to social media yesterday, Akmal contended that the RM129 million grant provided by the federal government for the project was not a loan.
“This isn’t a loan, it’s a federal grant. When this (delay) happens, we must intervene.
“If you look at the project owner’s name, it is the state government. Right now, I want to cooperate with the energy transition and public utilities minister (Fadhillah Yusof) so that this project will be done by this year,” Akmal (above) said.
It was reported in 2021 that Widad Group Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Widad Builders Sdn Bhd secured a RM129.4 million contract from the state government to carry out the upgrade.
The contract period was stipulated to commence from June 6, 2021, to Dec 2, 2023.
However, in 2022, Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor blamed a change in policy by the previous state government for a delay in upgrades for five water treatment plants including Bukit Selambau.
Refining new methods
Fadhillah was quoted last week as saying that the ministry was refining new methods to implement the upgrade works to ensure immediate completion, adding that it was categorised as a “sick” project due to delays.
The minister also touted terminating the contractor commencing the upgrade works.
In his video yesterday, Akmal also cited the water supply woes faced by the people of Kedah as a reason to expedite the completion of the upgrade.
He said in some areas in Kedah, water was transported to residents via lorries.
“I’m not trying to point fingers at anyone, I want to resolve the issue (of water woes). However, at this point, I am not confident.
“More people will be upset when the dry season commences,” he said. - Mkini

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