National sewerage disposal company Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) has called on consumers to be aware of the importance of keeping septic tanks in their houses empty on schedule to preserve a clean environment.
IWK chief executive officer Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din said, to empty the tanks regularly could also protect water resources and health, while at the same time, preventing pollution from the tanks.
"It is very vital the septic tank be emptied according to the schedule because if left unattended, it could result in consumers suffering from water-borne diseases like diarrhoea, typhoid, Hepatitis A and others," he told reporters at a campaign to empty septic tanks in Sungai Isap 2 villages here Saturday.
The session was launched by state youth, sports and culture committee chairman Datuk Wan Adnan Wan Mamat, who is also State Assemblyman for Tanjung Lumpur.
Abdul Kadir said, if septic tanks were not maintained as scheduled, polluted silt and solid dirt would accumulate, emanating not only stench but could also cause them to overflow and pollute drains, rivers and streams.
He said consumers should engage the sewerage disposal company at least once in two years, by contacting the authorised contractor from the National Water Services Commission or Indah Water.- BERNAMA
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Selangor: Offer documents informative
The Selangor government says the offer documents made to the water concession companies are provided with details and contain enough information to allow them to make a decision.
“The offer documents are prepared professionally and meet international standards addressing all the terms in order to avoid any doubt,” Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said in a statement yesterday.
On Wednesday, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB) managing director Datuk Hashim Mahfar told Bursa Malaysia in a statement that it was unable to table any proposal to shareholders on the latest RM9bil takeover offer by the Selangor government as it required a clearer bid. It said a decision would only be made after all information was obtained.
Based on a review of the offer documents, PNHB’s subsidiaries - Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd and Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) - found numerous ambiguities which required explanation from the state government, especially pertaining to the offer price for the water assets and other issues.
“The offer documents are prepared professionally and meet international standards addressing all the terms in order to avoid any doubt,” Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said in a statement yesterday.
On Wednesday, Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB) managing director Datuk Hashim Mahfar told Bursa Malaysia in a statement that it was unable to table any proposal to shareholders on the latest RM9bil takeover offer by the Selangor government as it required a clearer bid. It said a decision would only be made after all information was obtained.
Based on a review of the offer documents, PNHB’s subsidiaries - Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd and Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) - found numerous ambiguities which required explanation from the state government, especially pertaining to the offer price for the water assets and other issues.
Puncak Niaga And SYABAS Acquisition Can Be Resolved Amicably
Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim said Friday the problems faced in the acquisition of the water concession company, Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd and Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS) can be resolved amicably.
An amicable solution to the takeover offer on the two companies needed information which should have been given to the state government, he said in a statement released here Friday.
Abdul Khalid said Puncak Niaga and SYABAS should understand that the conditional offer was subject to the information that had been given to the Selangor government.
"In any corporate takeover, transparency is a must to ensure a fair and equitable settlement," he said.
Abdul Khalid claimed that the offer document prepared by the Selangor government for the takeover of the water concession companies was thorough and contained sufficient information for them to make a decision.
"The statement by Puncak Niaga managing director, Datuk Hashim Mahfar was merely to delay the takeover process by the Selangor government that wants to give better quality service and water supply to the people," he said.
On Jan 6, the Selangor government made an offer to purchase the equity of Punca Niaga at a price of RM64.62 per share and SYABAS at RM20.78 per share.- BERNAMA
An amicable solution to the takeover offer on the two companies needed information which should have been given to the state government, he said in a statement released here Friday.
Abdul Khalid said Puncak Niaga and SYABAS should understand that the conditional offer was subject to the information that had been given to the Selangor government.
"In any corporate takeover, transparency is a must to ensure a fair and equitable settlement," he said.
Abdul Khalid claimed that the offer document prepared by the Selangor government for the takeover of the water concession companies was thorough and contained sufficient information for them to make a decision.
"The statement by Puncak Niaga managing director, Datuk Hashim Mahfar was merely to delay the takeover process by the Selangor government that wants to give better quality service and water supply to the people," he said.
On Jan 6, the Selangor government made an offer to purchase the equity of Punca Niaga at a price of RM64.62 per share and SYABAS at RM20.78 per share.- BERNAMA
Friday, January 28, 2011
KFH New Agent For Payment Of SYABAS Water Bill
Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SYABAS) has appointed Kuwait Finance House (M) Bhd (KFH), as its newest agent to receive payments for its water bills in Selangor and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, effective Friday.
In this regard, consumers can make payments through the internet banking facilities of KFH.
In a statement, SYABAS said the appointment of KFH, is in addition to the existing payment agents - CIMB Bank, Maybank, Ambank, Hong Leong Bank, Citibank Bhd, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia, Affin Bank, Public Bank, HSBC Bank, RHB Bank, EON Bank, AGRO Bank, MBF Cards and Bank Islam.
Water bills can also be paid at the non-bank counters of Pos Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Telekom Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and also the Klang Municipal Council (MPKlang).- BERNAMA
In this regard, consumers can make payments through the internet banking facilities of KFH.
In a statement, SYABAS said the appointment of KFH, is in addition to the existing payment agents - CIMB Bank, Maybank, Ambank, Hong Leong Bank, Citibank Bhd, Bank Simpanan Nasional, Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia, Affin Bank, Public Bank, HSBC Bank, RHB Bank, EON Bank, AGRO Bank, MBF Cards and Bank Islam.
Water bills can also be paid at the non-bank counters of Pos Malaysia, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), Telekom Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and also the Klang Municipal Council (MPKlang).- BERNAMA
Khalid accuses Syabas, Puncak Niaga of stalling water takeover
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim accused two water companies today of attempting to frustrate his efforts to consolidate the water industry in Selangor.
Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB) and Syabas said on Wednesday they could not make a decision on the Selangor mentri besar’s takeover offer, claiming that it was filled with ambiguities.
“Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd’s (PNHB) and Syabas’ statement that the companies cannot make a decision on the offer because the offer documents, which were prepared by the Selangor government, are not detailed is a vague statement filled with evil intentions,” said Khalid in a statement today.
“The offer documents prepared by the Selangor government on taking over the water concessionaires are detailed and contain enough information for the water concessionaires involved to make a decision,” he added.
He claimed that the offer documents fulfilled international standards and that the terms of the offer were specified clearly to prevent doubt from arising.
Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB) and Syabas said on Wednesday they could not make a decision on the Selangor mentri besar’s takeover offer, claiming that it was filled with ambiguities.
“Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd’s (PNHB) and Syabas’ statement that the companies cannot make a decision on the offer because the offer documents, which were prepared by the Selangor government, are not detailed is a vague statement filled with evil intentions,” said Khalid in a statement today.
“The offer documents prepared by the Selangor government on taking over the water concessionaires are detailed and contain enough information for the water concessionaires involved to make a decision,” he added.
He claimed that the offer documents fulfilled international standards and that the terms of the offer were specified clearly to prevent doubt from arising.
Splash Rejects MBI's Offer As Price Is Low
Gamuda Bhd announced that its 40 percent-owned water concessionaire, Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH), was unable to accept the conditional offer from Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) or MBI to acquire all the voting shares in the company.
The conditional offer was made on Jan 6, 2011 at a cash offer price of RM5.95 per offer share and SPLASH said the offer had undervalued the company, Gamuda said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.
In its reply to MBI, SPLASH had said the offer was also well below the previous offer made by the Selangor state government on July 15, 2009, which SPLASH had then accepted in good faith.
As such, it would like to renew its own offer to the Selangor and federal governments on April 20, 2010 of RM10.75 billion to consolidate the Selangor water industry with SPLASH as the "top-to-toe" operator and consistent with the intentions of the Water Services Industry Act, 2006 (WSIA).
The conditional offer was made on Jan 6, 2011 at a cash offer price of RM5.95 per offer share and SPLASH said the offer had undervalued the company, Gamuda said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia.
In its reply to MBI, SPLASH had said the offer was also well below the previous offer made by the Selangor state government on July 15, 2009, which SPLASH had then accepted in good faith.
As such, it would like to renew its own offer to the Selangor and federal governments on April 20, 2010 of RM10.75 billion to consolidate the Selangor water industry with SPLASH as the "top-to-toe" operator and consistent with the intentions of the Water Services Industry Act, 2006 (WSIA).
Water offer will not exceed RM9.3b, says Selangor MB
Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd and Syabas said yesterday they could not make a decision on the Selangor mentri besar’s offer, claiming that the offer was filled with ambiguities.
“If they feel our offer is not a fair one, we are willing to go for arbitration,” Khalid told reporters today.
Khalid said recently that Selangor has made a new offer of RM9 billion for the assets of the four water concessionaires in the state — Syabas, Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium ABASS — before selling all assets to the federal government.
The Malaysian Insider had reported last month that Selangor will offer about RM5.7 billion to acquire the remaining state water assets, while leaving its present owners to pay off their own liabilities.
Selangor’s four water players are at risk of debt payment default as water bonds approach their maturity dates.
“If they feel our offer is not a fair one, we are willing to go for arbitration,” Khalid told reporters today.
Khalid said recently that Selangor has made a new offer of RM9 billion for the assets of the four water concessionaires in the state — Syabas, Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium ABASS — before selling all assets to the federal government.
The Malaysian Insider had reported last month that Selangor will offer about RM5.7 billion to acquire the remaining state water assets, while leaving its present owners to pay off their own liabilities.
Selangor’s four water players are at risk of debt payment default as water bonds approach their maturity dates.
Selangor govt reviewing second set of clarifications required by firm on takeover offer
The Selangor state government is reviewing the second set of clarifications sought by Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd (PNHB) regarding the state's water asset takeover proposal.
An official from the state government told StarBiz that they had clarified to Puncak Niaga last week on the company's first request for clarifications and was discussing the second set of queries sent by PNHB on Wednesday.
PNHB had told Bursa Malaysia that it was unable to table any proposal to shareholders on the latest RM9bil takeover offer by the Selangor government as it required a clearer bid. It said a decision would only be made after all information was obtained.
Based on a review of the offer documents, PNHB's subsidiaries Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd and Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) found numerous ambiguities which required explanation from the state government, especially pertaining to the offer price for the water assets and other issues.
These include the number of shares the Selangor government intends to purchase from the shareholders of Puncak Niaga and Syabas.
An official from the state government told StarBiz that they had clarified to Puncak Niaga last week on the company's first request for clarifications and was discussing the second set of queries sent by PNHB on Wednesday.
PNHB had told Bursa Malaysia that it was unable to table any proposal to shareholders on the latest RM9bil takeover offer by the Selangor government as it required a clearer bid. It said a decision would only be made after all information was obtained.
Based on a review of the offer documents, PNHB's subsidiaries Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd and Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) found numerous ambiguities which required explanation from the state government, especially pertaining to the offer price for the water assets and other issues.
These include the number of shares the Selangor government intends to purchase from the shareholders of Puncak Niaga and Syabas.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
MCA Refutes Claim That Johor Water Tariff Is The Highest
The MCA Monday refuted the allegation of the opposition parties that water tariff in Johor is the highest in the country.
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said a check by the MCA revealed that if the water consumption did not exceed 30 cubic metres per month, the increase was not more than RM2.00.
"For a family of five, I am not sure that we will consume up to RM150 per month as claimed by the opposition," he told reporters after attending a dialogue session with members of the Labis Che Thai Khor Moral Uplifting Society, here.
In this context, he said the MCA could not accept the opposition claim that the water tariff in Johor would cause a hike of up to 100 per cent in the monthly water bill of the people although the average consumption would only be RM30 per month if usage was within 30 cubic metres per month.
Last year, the SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (SAJ Holdings), the water supply concessionaire in Johor had adjusted the water tariff for the whole Johor state which would not burden consumers in the state where the average rise in the water bill for the majority of the consumers was only RM1.85 per month.- BERNAMA
Party president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek said a check by the MCA revealed that if the water consumption did not exceed 30 cubic metres per month, the increase was not more than RM2.00.
"For a family of five, I am not sure that we will consume up to RM150 per month as claimed by the opposition," he told reporters after attending a dialogue session with members of the Labis Che Thai Khor Moral Uplifting Society, here.
In this context, he said the MCA could not accept the opposition claim that the water tariff in Johor would cause a hike of up to 100 per cent in the monthly water bill of the people although the average consumption would only be RM30 per month if usage was within 30 cubic metres per month.
Last year, the SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (SAJ Holdings), the water supply concessionaire in Johor had adjusted the water tariff for the whole Johor state which would not burden consumers in the state where the average rise in the water bill for the majority of the consumers was only RM1.85 per month.- BERNAMA
Monday, January 24, 2011
SYABAS Received Half A Million Complaints Last Year
The Selangor Water Supply Company SYABAS received 506,590 complaints last year.
The complaints, made through its customer service call center PUSPEL, were about burst or leaking pipes and quality of water and the like.
Executive director for corporate affairs Abdul Halem Mat Som said the complaints were from users in Selangor, the Federal Territory and Putrajaya and were attended to promptly.
SYBAS refers to users who report faults as "caring callers" because "they enable us to take immediate action," Abdul Halem said.
"We are very grateful to them and touched by their support," he told reporters after presenting "caring caller" prizes to 30 users who rang up PUSPEL at 1800-880-5252 between July and December last year.
The programme to reward "caring callers" was started in 2005, with five selected every month. - BERNAMA
The complaints, made through its customer service call center PUSPEL, were about burst or leaking pipes and quality of water and the like.
Executive director for corporate affairs Abdul Halem Mat Som said the complaints were from users in Selangor, the Federal Territory and Putrajaya and were attended to promptly.
SYBAS refers to users who report faults as "caring callers" because "they enable us to take immediate action," Abdul Halem said.
"We are very grateful to them and touched by their support," he told reporters after presenting "caring caller" prizes to 30 users who rang up PUSPEL at 1800-880-5252 between July and December last year.
The programme to reward "caring callers" was started in 2005, with five selected every month. - BERNAMA
Friday, January 14, 2011
Selangor Government Okays Building Of Langat 2 Water Treatment Plant
The Selangor government had in December promised to allow the federal government to build the Langat 2 water treatment plant, which is part of the Pahang-Selangor Interstate Water Transfer Project.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said his ministry, however, was still waiting for the approval in writing from the state government which was expected to be received this month.
"I as the minister would like to thank the Selangor Menteri Besar (Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim) for the approval so that the Langat 2 water treatment plant can be built according to our schedule.
"Although we are seven months late, the state government's latest decision means that we can proceed. And we are going ahead with the tender this month or by February. The approval means the last hurdle has been removed," he said after meeting with the ministry's officers and staff, here, Thursday.
Chin said the whole project needed to be completed by 2014 to prevent water shortage for consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
He said although the Selangor government wanted the water service industry restructuring issue and building of the Langat 2 plant be discussed together, the federal government preferred the two matters be discussed separately to avoid complications.
"We have a timeline for Langat 2, we must get certain work done so that there will be seamless interfacing. When the dam project is ready, the pipes and the treatment plant will interface nicely so that consumers will get continuous water supply," he said.
The minister had earlier witnessed the signing of a contract for the Lot 1-3B Semantan Double Pipes Project and related works, which is the third component of the Pahang-Selangor water transfer project.
Chin said with a construction period of 43 months and expected to be ready by May 30, 2014, the Semantan project included the building of the entry/exit road, installation of water pipes, and designing and installation of the valves, involving a cost of RM268.5 million.
"When ready, the double pipes with the largest water pipe diameter in Malaysia, will be able to supply 1,890 litres of raw water daily," he added.
On the ministry's Green Data Centre which was also launched at the same function today, Chin said the setting up of the integrated data management centre with emphasis on more efficient use of electricity, was in line with the ministry's green technology development drive.
"Every data centre consumes a lot of electricity, so we hope this centre will serve as a good example for other data centres," he said.- BERNAMA
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said his ministry, however, was still waiting for the approval in writing from the state government which was expected to be received this month.
"I as the minister would like to thank the Selangor Menteri Besar (Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim) for the approval so that the Langat 2 water treatment plant can be built according to our schedule.
"Although we are seven months late, the state government's latest decision means that we can proceed. And we are going ahead with the tender this month or by February. The approval means the last hurdle has been removed," he said after meeting with the ministry's officers and staff, here, Thursday.
Chin said the whole project needed to be completed by 2014 to prevent water shortage for consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
He said although the Selangor government wanted the water service industry restructuring issue and building of the Langat 2 plant be discussed together, the federal government preferred the two matters be discussed separately to avoid complications.
"We have a timeline for Langat 2, we must get certain work done so that there will be seamless interfacing. When the dam project is ready, the pipes and the treatment plant will interface nicely so that consumers will get continuous water supply," he said.
The minister had earlier witnessed the signing of a contract for the Lot 1-3B Semantan Double Pipes Project and related works, which is the third component of the Pahang-Selangor water transfer project.
Chin said with a construction period of 43 months and expected to be ready by May 30, 2014, the Semantan project included the building of the entry/exit road, installation of water pipes, and designing and installation of the valves, involving a cost of RM268.5 million.
"When ready, the double pipes with the largest water pipe diameter in Malaysia, will be able to supply 1,890 litres of raw water daily," he added.
On the ministry's Green Data Centre which was also launched at the same function today, Chin said the setting up of the integrated data management centre with emphasis on more efficient use of electricity, was in line with the ministry's green technology development drive.
"Every data centre consumes a lot of electricity, so we hope this centre will serve as a good example for other data centres," he said.- BERNAMA
Selangor denies giving Langat 2 green light
The Selangor government has denied giving Putrajaya the go-ahead for the Langat 2 water treatment plant as claimed by Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin.
State government sources revealed that Selangor, in its December 8 meeting with the ministry, had only agreed to study the “critical path” for both Langat 2 and Pahang-Selangor water transfer projects before making a decision this month.
The Critical Path Method, developed in the 1950s, is an important tool in project management for scheduling project activities.
“It seems Peter Chin has either jumped the gun or is trying to force our hand,” one source told The Malaysian Insider.
Another source said it was “quite clear” no approval had been given to the ministry, adding that the state government would make a decision on Langat 2 by the end of the month once Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (picture) has finished studying the ministry’s reports.
Chin said earlier today that the Selangor government had promised in December to allow the federal government to build Langat 2, which is part of the Pahang-Selangor water transfer project.
He said his ministry would tender out the project by February at the latest despite not receiving written approval from the state, which was expected sometime this month.
“Although we are seven months late, the state government’s latest decision means that we can proceed... The approval means the last hurdle has been removed,” he told reporters in Putrajaya earlier today.
The RM8.65 billion water transfer project must be completed by 2014 to ensure adequate water supply for residents in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Chin added.
Khalid, however, has argued that there was no rush to complete the Pahang-Selangor transfer as the state has enough water to fulfill residents’ needs until 2019.
He also stressed that priority should be given to consolidating Selangor’s water players and not the Langat 2 project, calling for both issues to be discussed jointly.
Chin warned the Selangor government last year it risked legal action by delaying construction of the water treatment plant, which had been scheduled to begin in August last year.
Both state and federal governments have been locked in a struggle over water assets in Selangor since Pakatan Rakyat (PR) took control of the state in 2008, with neither side wanting to give the other control over the critical industry.- Malaysian Insider
Syabas to sue Klang MP for defamation
Syabas will sue Klang MP Charles Santiago for defamation over remarks implying that the water company was “profiting wantonly from impoverished families”.
Santiago told The Malaysian Insider that he received a defamation notice from Syabas today.
“I got the defamation notice at my service centre today,” said Santiago, who provided The Malaysian Insider a copy of the notice.
In the notice, Syabas said Santiago’s remarks, which were reported in online news portal Free Malaysia Today on October 26 last year, implied that the water company had disconnected water supply “willy nilly”.
“Yang Berhormat said ... that the rate at which water supply was disconnected was ‘alarming’,” said Syabas in its notice to Santiago.
“The offending words ... are understood to mean that reconnecting supply is the main source of revenue for Syabas and that water supply is disconnected ‘willy nilly’ and without basis. Further, it casts an imputation that Syabas is profiting wantonly from impoverished families,” it added.
Syabas denied Santiago’s claims, saying it charged only RM50 to disconnect and reconnect water supply although the actual costs amounted to RM76.
The water concessionaire also took offence at Santiago’s remarks on the same matter that were published in Chinese daily Nanyang Siang Pau on October 28 last year, as well as his blog post on October 29 titled “Everything is money and Syabas making 5 thousand billion” . Syabas demanded that Santiago withdraw his remarks and make a public apology.- Malaysian Insider
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Selangor needs to convince Puncak Niaga
The Selangor state government's biggest challenge in the restructuring of its water sector is to convince Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd to accept the RM4.7bil offer for the entire company together with its 70% ownership in Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas).
The RM4.7bil payout is part of the RM9.2bil offer made by the state in its latest bid to end the impasse to restructure the state's water sector after two previous failed attempts.
“The offer is made because the Federal Government's negotiations with the companies in 2010 failed, and ultimately, they gave the green light to Selangor to give a new offer. The offer is also to take on the liabilities.
“This is the state's attempt to resolve the current impasse. The state also feels that again, this is the best solution as it addresses the holistic and consolidated philosophy behind the Water Service Industry Act 2006 and national policy as set out by the Federal Government,'' said an official from the Selangor Mentri Besar's office.
Compared with the previous offer, the difference this time is that the state is buying the companies, not just the assets, and it is taking on the liabilities.
Moreover, if the parties do not agree to the pricing, both sides can go for arbitration.
To recap, Selangor's first offer was valued at RM5.7bil for their assets and equity but this was turned down by all the water players in the state. The second offer was for RM9.2bil, including liabilities, and it was also rejected by the Puncak group which included Puncak Niaga and Syabas.
The RM4.7bil payout is part of the RM9.2bil offer made by the state in its latest bid to end the impasse to restructure the state's water sector after two previous failed attempts.
“The offer is made because the Federal Government's negotiations with the companies in 2010 failed, and ultimately, they gave the green light to Selangor to give a new offer. The offer is also to take on the liabilities.
“This is the state's attempt to resolve the current impasse. The state also feels that again, this is the best solution as it addresses the holistic and consolidated philosophy behind the Water Service Industry Act 2006 and national policy as set out by the Federal Government,'' said an official from the Selangor Mentri Besar's office.
Compared with the previous offer, the difference this time is that the state is buying the companies, not just the assets, and it is taking on the liabilities.
Moreover, if the parties do not agree to the pricing, both sides can go for arbitration.
To recap, Selangor's first offer was valued at RM5.7bil for their assets and equity but this was turned down by all the water players in the state. The second offer was for RM9.2bil, including liabilities, and it was also rejected by the Puncak group which included Puncak Niaga and Syabas.
OSK Research Views Latest Water Offer By Selangor As Being Less Attractive
OSK Research views the latest offer of over RM9 billion for the acquisition of the four state water concessionaires as being less attractive.
Media reports said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has made a fresh offer to acquire all four concessionaires.
The concessionaires are Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium ABASS Sdn Bhd (Abass).
The proposal is to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of these companies at a price of RM64.62 for each PNSB share, RM20.78 for Syabas, RM5.95 for Splash and RM9.39 for Abass.
"Gauging from the offer price of over RM9 billion, this pricing comes close but is still lower than the previous offer by Splash to consolidate the state's water assets at RM10.75 billon.
"This makes the latest offer price less attractive," OSK Research explained.
"Although the offer did not detail the state government's valuation approach, we reckon that it is likely to have been based on book value," the research house elaborated further.
Media reports said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has made a fresh offer to acquire all four concessionaires.
The concessionaires are Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas), Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) and Konsortium ABASS Sdn Bhd (Abass).
The proposal is to acquire 100 per cent of the shares of these companies at a price of RM64.62 for each PNSB share, RM20.78 for Syabas, RM5.95 for Splash and RM9.39 for Abass.
"Gauging from the offer price of over RM9 billion, this pricing comes close but is still lower than the previous offer by Splash to consolidate the state's water assets at RM10.75 billon.
"This makes the latest offer price less attractive," OSK Research explained.
"Although the offer did not detail the state government's valuation approach, we reckon that it is likely to have been based on book value," the research house elaborated further.
Up To PM To Decide My Future At Federal - Chin
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin is leaving his position as federal cabinet member in the hands of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Speaking to reporters here Friday, he said although he had led his ministry to achieve its targets for 2010, it would still be up to Najib to evaluate his performance as the minister in charge.
He said all federal ministers would be evaluated by the prime minister between Jan 24 and 26, this year.
"My ministry has submitted our reports, we have met our targets but all would be looked into and decided by our prime minister," said Chin, adding that among the ministry's best achievements was in reducing the power interruption frequency in Sabah.
"Our target then was to reduce the number of interruptions per year per consumer to 700 minutes (before the end of 2010)...yet, we managed to record 687 minutes. Previously, it was over 2,800 minutes."
Chin said the achievement was quite significant for him as he had even announced in Sabah in March last year that he would resign from his post, should he fail to achieve the target.
He said the ministry's aim of getting 40 companies to sign up for the Green Technology Financing Scheme last year was also surpassed when 60 companies were eventually registered.
For this year, he said it would be a busy year to implement all the development projects that had been outlined under the Government Transformation Programme and the Economic Transformation Program.- BERNAMA
Speaking to reporters here Friday, he said although he had led his ministry to achieve its targets for 2010, it would still be up to Najib to evaluate his performance as the minister in charge.
He said all federal ministers would be evaluated by the prime minister between Jan 24 and 26, this year.
"My ministry has submitted our reports, we have met our targets but all would be looked into and decided by our prime minister," said Chin, adding that among the ministry's best achievements was in reducing the power interruption frequency in Sabah.
"Our target then was to reduce the number of interruptions per year per consumer to 700 minutes (before the end of 2010)...yet, we managed to record 687 minutes. Previously, it was over 2,800 minutes."
Chin said the achievement was quite significant for him as he had even announced in Sabah in March last year that he would resign from his post, should he fail to achieve the target.
He said the ministry's aim of getting 40 companies to sign up for the Green Technology Financing Scheme last year was also surpassed when 60 companies were eventually registered.
For this year, he said it would be a busy year to implement all the development projects that had been outlined under the Government Transformation Programme and the Economic Transformation Program.- BERNAMA
Friday, January 7, 2011
Selangor offers RM9 billion to buy all water assets
Selangor is now willing to pay up to RM9 billion for the assets of all four water concessionaires in the state before selling all assets to the federal government.
The national water industry restructuring scheme has been delayed by a dispute over the price of the privatised assets in Selangor, which also provides water to the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said today the new offer was made to the four water concessionaires in Selangor — Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (ABASS) and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH).
“The state government is offering a 100 per cent takeover of the companies’ shares — RM64.62 per share for PNSB, RM20.78 per share for Syabas, RM5.95 for SPLASH and RM9.39 for ABASS.
“In total, over RM9 billion will be offered to own the equities of water operations in Selangor,” he said.
Khalid said the state government’s decision today was an “important” step in solving the issue of water management in the state, adding that the proposed takeover will involve the transfer of water assets in the state to Putrajaya’s Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB).
The national water industry restructuring scheme has been delayed by a dispute over the price of the privatised assets in Selangor, which also provides water to the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said today the new offer was made to the four water concessionaires in Selangor — Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd (ABASS) and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH).
“The state government is offering a 100 per cent takeover of the companies’ shares — RM64.62 per share for PNSB, RM20.78 per share for Syabas, RM5.95 for SPLASH and RM9.39 for ABASS.
“In total, over RM9 billion will be offered to own the equities of water operations in Selangor,” he said.
Khalid said the state government’s decision today was an “important” step in solving the issue of water management in the state, adding that the proposed takeover will involve the transfer of water assets in the state to Putrajaya’s Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB).
Selangor makes fresh offer to water players
PETALING JAYA: Selangor has made a fresh offer to the water concessionaires in another effort to resolve the impasse in the state’s water-restructuring exercise.
Worth over RM9bil, according to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim in a press briefing yesterday, the offer was the third by the state government and the fifth overall, counting one offer worth RM10.3bil by the Federal Government and another worth RM10.8bil by Gamuda Bhd, owner of a 40% stake in Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash).
The state’s previous offers were RM5.71bil in early 2009 and RM9.4bil made in mid-2009.
The offer, which was dispatched to the companies yesterday, included taking over all assets and liabilities of the concessionaires.
Analysts had been unenthusiatic when news came at early last month that the state government was preparing offer documents to the four concessionaires.
An analyst had said the offer was not likely to be attractive given the strained relationship between the Federal Government and the state.
But Khalid in yesterday’s briefing said the offer was fair and appropriate for the takeover of the companies and in line with the state’s commitment to assume the concessionaires’ assets and responsibilities.
Worth over RM9bil, according to Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim in a press briefing yesterday, the offer was the third by the state government and the fifth overall, counting one offer worth RM10.3bil by the Federal Government and another worth RM10.8bil by Gamuda Bhd, owner of a 40% stake in Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash).
The state’s previous offers were RM5.71bil in early 2009 and RM9.4bil made in mid-2009.
The offer, which was dispatched to the companies yesterday, included taking over all assets and liabilities of the concessionaires.
Analysts had been unenthusiatic when news came at early last month that the state government was preparing offer documents to the four concessionaires.
An analyst had said the offer was not likely to be attractive given the strained relationship between the Federal Government and the state.
But Khalid in yesterday’s briefing said the offer was fair and appropriate for the takeover of the companies and in line with the state’s commitment to assume the concessionaires’ assets and responsibilities.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Selangor Announces New Offer To Four Water Concessionaires
Selangor Thursday announced a new offer to the four water concessionaires in the state, Puncak Niaga (M) Sdn Bhd (PNSB), Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), Konsortium Abass Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPLASH).
The state government has offered to takeover 100 per cent of their shares at a price of RM64.62 for PNSB, RM20.78 for Syabas, RM5.95 for Splash and RM9.39 for Abass - BERNAMA
The state government has offered to takeover 100 per cent of their shares at a price of RM64.62 for PNSB, RM20.78 for Syabas, RM5.95 for Splash and RM9.39 for Abass - BERNAMA
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Logging Depletes Hill Water Sources In Jeli
The Kelantan government should regulate logging activities to avoid depletion of water sources for villages at the foot of the hills in the Jeli District.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the clearing of forest for logging had affected villagers, who had complained that freshwater from the hills had dissipated and dropped in quality.
"The situation is being felt in Jeli and we are worried that it might affect the people's health as the water is becoming murky and decreasing in volume," he told reporters after presenting cash crop seedlings from the Department of Environment at Kampung Bendang Keladi here Monday.
Mustapa, who is also Member of Parliament for Jeli, said he was sad that Syarikat Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) had failed to supply clean water to the villagers, who had to rely entirely on hill water.
"AKSB's failure reflects the state government's inability to provide basic amenities to the people despite ruling the state for 20 years," he said - BERNAMA
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed said the clearing of forest for logging had affected villagers, who had complained that freshwater from the hills had dissipated and dropped in quality.
"The situation is being felt in Jeli and we are worried that it might affect the people's health as the water is becoming murky and decreasing in volume," he told reporters after presenting cash crop seedlings from the Department of Environment at Kampung Bendang Keladi here Monday.
Mustapa, who is also Member of Parliament for Jeli, said he was sad that Syarikat Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB) had failed to supply clean water to the villagers, who had to rely entirely on hill water.
"AKSB's failure reflects the state government's inability to provide basic amenities to the people despite ruling the state for 20 years," he said - BERNAMA
Low Water Pressure At Jalan Sungai Baru PKNS Flats To End Before June
The problems of low water pressure and drainage faced by residents of the PKNS flats at Jalan Sungai Baru, Kampung Baru, here for more than 10 years would end in June at the latest.
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said work to repair the piping system and drainage there would be carried out by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) with the cooperation of the Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) under the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund.
"Although repair work on the pipeline is not the responsibility of the DBKL or federal government because the flat is under the PKNS (Selangor State Development Corporation), but because of the government's sense of responsibility, I had proposed that these works be carried out under the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund.
"In terms of the cost involved, we will discuss with Syabas and the residents beforehand, probably 80 per cent would be taken from the fund and 20 per cent from the residents or Syabas," he told reporters after visiting the area Tuesday - BERNAMA
Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said work to repair the piping system and drainage there would be carried out by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) with the cooperation of the Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) under the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund.
"Although repair work on the pipeline is not the responsibility of the DBKL or federal government because the flat is under the PKNS (Selangor State Development Corporation), but because of the government's sense of responsibility, I had proposed that these works be carried out under the 1Malaysia Maintenance Fund.
"In terms of the cost involved, we will discuss with Syabas and the residents beforehand, probably 80 per cent would be taken from the fund and 20 per cent from the residents or Syabas," he told reporters after visiting the area Tuesday - BERNAMA
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