SHAH ALAM: Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd plans to have its oil and gas (O&G) division contribute about 60% of the group’s revenue within the next five years, overtaking its core water business.
Puncak Niaga chairman Tan Sri Rozali Ismail said the company would spend US$59 million (RM179.2 million) to acquire two O&G companies, Global Offshore (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and KGL Ltd, by the end of the year.
“At the end of the year, we hope to finalise the acquisition of 100% of the shares in these companies. These companies have existing business in O&G and have contracts in hand from Petronas. They are good ventures,” he said, adding that the O&G business would become the second core activity for the company.
Global Offshore is 51%-controlled by Selecta Flow (M) Sdn Bhd, a private company and a vehicle of Datuk Khalid Ngah, while the remaining 49% is held by Global Asia Pacific Industries Sdn Bhd, a unit of US-based, Nasdaq-listed Global Industries Ltd.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Awer:Water efficiency must be implemented for all sectors
Water consumption is basically divided into domestic, industry (including commercial) and agriculture use which uses 17%, 21% and 62% respectively. In addition to that, there are few industries and almost all agriculture activities uses water direct from nature and not the treated water. According to Malaysia Water Industry Guide 2010, 2.02 billion cubic meters of treated water (1 cubic meter is equivalent to 1000 liter) was consumed by domestic consumers in year 2009. Therefore, AWER estimates that industrial sector uses around 2.5 billion cubic meter of water and agriculture sector is about 7.3 billion cubic meter of water.
Wastage of water happens when an individual or entity uses water more than the needed capacity. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends only 165 liter/capita/day for domestic consumption. This means domestic consumers can use up to 5 cubic meters a month per person. For example, if there are 5 people in a family, the sustainable water consumption should be within 25 cubic meters.
Wastage of water happens when an individual or entity uses water more than the needed capacity. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends only 165 liter/capita/day for domestic consumption. This means domestic consumers can use up to 5 cubic meters a month per person. For example, if there are 5 people in a family, the sustainable water consumption should be within 25 cubic meters.
Bernama:Government Proposes For Pipe System To Channel Water Between States - Peter Chin
REMBAU, June 28 (Bernama) -- The goverment proposes to create a piped water system to channel raw water between states, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.
He said the system would facilitate transferring of water should a drought occur in any state, whereby the other states could provide supply of raw water.
"We can carry water on tanker lorries in times of drought, but this method is difficult and costly. A connected pipe system is more cost effective and efficient," he told reporters after launching the Sepri Dam, near here today.
Also present at the event was Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He added that it would also be a long-term solution to the water supply shortage in various states.
He said the system would facilitate transferring of water should a drought occur in any state, whereby the other states could provide supply of raw water.
"We can carry water on tanker lorries in times of drought, but this method is difficult and costly. A connected pipe system is more cost effective and efficient," he told reporters after launching the Sepri Dam, near here today.
Also present at the event was Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He added that it would also be a long-term solution to the water supply shortage in various states.
TheStar:Inter-state pipe project on the cards
REMBAU: All states in the peninsula will likely be linked with a pipe network to allow water to be transferred to meet a sudden surge in demand or counter the effects of a prolonged drought.
“This is a long-term plan to counter sudden increases in water demand. We cannot be sending water via tankers anymore as it is a costly and time consuming exercise,” Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said.
The inter-state pipe link project would be carried out once consent was obtained from the state governments, Chin told reporters at the joint opening of the Ulu Sepri dam near here with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The matter is being studied by the National Water Services Commission and Water Asset Management Company (PAAB).
PAAB, a wholly owned company of the Minister of Finance Incorporated and established in May 2006, is part of the Government's efforts to restructure the water services industry.
“This is a long-term plan to counter sudden increases in water demand. We cannot be sending water via tankers anymore as it is a costly and time consuming exercise,” Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui said.
The inter-state pipe link project would be carried out once consent was obtained from the state governments, Chin told reporters at the joint opening of the Ulu Sepri dam near here with Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
The matter is being studied by the National Water Services Commission and Water Asset Management Company (PAAB).
PAAB, a wholly owned company of the Minister of Finance Incorporated and established in May 2006, is part of the Government's efforts to restructure the water services industry.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Bernama:Puncak Niaga To Continue With Water Business
SHAH ALAM, June 27 (Bernama) -- Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd says it will continue to carry on its core water business despite having management problems related to the federal and state governments.
Its executive chairman, Tan Sri Rozali Ismail said the company's shareholders including the minority shareholders had been informed and reassured that their interests would be taken care of.
The concession agreements signed have clauses protecting the rights and interests of the company, he told reporters after the company's annual general meeting here today.
"We also make it a point that our shareholders are notified of the developments, and we will get the permission of the shareholders when it involves major events for the company."
Its executive chairman, Tan Sri Rozali Ismail said the company's shareholders including the minority shareholders had been informed and reassured that their interests would be taken care of.
The concession agreements signed have clauses protecting the rights and interests of the company, he told reporters after the company's annual general meeting here today.
"We also make it a point that our shareholders are notified of the developments, and we will get the permission of the shareholders when it involves major events for the company."
Monday, June 27, 2011
TheStar:Scheme to encourage home owners to clean their septic tanks
MUAR: National sewerage company Indah Water Konsortium will charge households RM144 a year or RM12 a month under a special scheme to encourage them to desludge their septic tanks.
“It is a lot less than what people would pay for Astro television services or to top-up their cellular handsets every month,” said Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Noriah Kasnon.
She was speaking to reporters after launching the national-level Individual Septic Tank Desludging Campaign 2011 at Taman Tun Dr Ismail Dua here yesterday.
The Indah Water scheme was also launched in conjunction with the campaign.
Present were National Water Services Commission CEO Datuk Teo Yen Hua and Indah Water Konsortium CEO Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din.
“It is a lot less than what people would pay for Astro television services or to top-up their cellular handsets every month,” said Deputy Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Noriah Kasnon.
She was speaking to reporters after launching the national-level Individual Septic Tank Desludging Campaign 2011 at Taman Tun Dr Ismail Dua here yesterday.
The Indah Water scheme was also launched in conjunction with the campaign.
Present were National Water Services Commission CEO Datuk Teo Yen Hua and Indah Water Konsortium CEO Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din.
Bernama:IWK Desludges Household Septic Tanks Once Every Two Years
JITRA, June 25 (Bernama) -- Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) goes around housing estates to clean out septic tanks of domestic sludge at least once in two years, said its regional manager (Northern Region) Din Sariaat.
He said the process was necessary to prevent the spread of diseases and environmental pollution.
"Unmaintained septic tanks pose not only an environmental but also a health hazard.
"If the sludge is not removed from the septic tanks to be treated and disposed, it might contaminate our water supply. We might get cholera, typhoid, dysentry and hepatitis, he told reporters after the launch by Jitra State Assemblyman Datuk Saad Man of a septic tank desludging campaign at Taman Rasa Sayang here Saturday.
He said the process was necessary to prevent the spread of diseases and environmental pollution.
"Unmaintained septic tanks pose not only an environmental but also a health hazard.
"If the sludge is not removed from the septic tanks to be treated and disposed, it might contaminate our water supply. We might get cholera, typhoid, dysentry and hepatitis, he told reporters after the launch by Jitra State Assemblyman Datuk Saad Man of a septic tank desludging campaign at Taman Rasa Sayang here Saturday.
Friday, June 24, 2011
HarakahDaily:Gangguan bukti Syabas tidak layak urus aset air
KUALA LUMPUR, 23 Jun: Dewan Pemuda PAS Wilayah Persekutuan (DPPWP) kesal dengan kegagalan pihak Syabas yang tidak membuat makluman awal berhubung gangguan bekalan air yang berlaku di sekitar Lembah Klang sejak semalam sehingga esok.
Ketuanya, Kamaruzaman Mohamad berkata, pihaknya difahamkan gangguan itu berpunca dari aktiviti penyedia air untuk Syabas iaitu Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPALSH) yang melakukan penyelengaraan Sluice Valve dan juga Pam Air serta melakukan pembersihan loji rawatan air mereka.
Kesempatan itu juga, katanya digunakan oleh pihak Syabas untuk menambah baik sistem penyaluran air mereka.
Ketuanya, Kamaruzaman Mohamad berkata, pihaknya difahamkan gangguan itu berpunca dari aktiviti penyedia air untuk Syabas iaitu Syarikat Pengeluar Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (SPALSH) yang melakukan penyelengaraan Sluice Valve dan juga Pam Air serta melakukan pembersihan loji rawatan air mereka.
Kesempatan itu juga, katanya digunakan oleh pihak Syabas untuk menambah baik sistem penyaluran air mereka.
FreeMalaysiaToday:Syabas: Don’t blame us for water cut
Under fire for the recent 48-hour water disruption, Syabas clarifies that water cut was necessary for major maintenance works and that notices were given one week in advance.
PETALING JAYA: Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) said it should not be blamed totally for the 48-hour water disruption that affected some one million residents in the Klang Valley since Wednesday morning.
Syabas corporate affairs executive director, Abdul Halem Mat Som, said full water supply resumed 8am today (Friday).
He said all the blame for the water disruption should not be on Syabas.
“Our good intentions have been gravely misunderstood and many had even distorted the truth of the matter,” he said when commenting on a statement by Selangor state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong on Wednesday.
PETALING JAYA: Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) said it should not be blamed totally for the 48-hour water disruption that affected some one million residents in the Klang Valley since Wednesday morning.
Syabas corporate affairs executive director, Abdul Halem Mat Som, said full water supply resumed 8am today (Friday).
He said all the blame for the water disruption should not be on Syabas.
“Our good intentions have been gravely misunderstood and many had even distorted the truth of the matter,” he said when commenting on a statement by Selangor state executive councillor Elizabeth Wong on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
TheStar:What Price Water?
It could make a big difference to the cost of your daily meal.
AS I scanned through the menu of the noodle house in a popular mall last weekend, I noticed wryly that the price of drinks these days is about half that of the food. If your bowl of mee costs RM7, a glass of sugared water flavoured with whatever catches your fancy is about half of that.
As it is usual these days, my mind is on health and my eye on the ever-expanding waistline. I wanted water – plain ice water. Nowadays hardly anybody in these slightly upmarket outlets serves you plain water right from the tap anymore, with or without ice.
If you wanted water, you paid for mineral water or some other water out of a bottle from prices ranging anywhere from RM2 for a local brand to RM8 or more for those swanky ones with foreign names.
Therefore, instead of paying RM2 for a bottle of water, many Malaysians with their misplaced sense of value choose instead to pay about half more and obtain a “real drink”, opting for sugared water or one of those brands which have a calorific value of less than one but a high caffeine content and a potentially harmful artificial (unnatural?) sweetener.
AS I scanned through the menu of the noodle house in a popular mall last weekend, I noticed wryly that the price of drinks these days is about half that of the food. If your bowl of mee costs RM7, a glass of sugared water flavoured with whatever catches your fancy is about half of that.
As it is usual these days, my mind is on health and my eye on the ever-expanding waistline. I wanted water – plain ice water. Nowadays hardly anybody in these slightly upmarket outlets serves you plain water right from the tap anymore, with or without ice.
If you wanted water, you paid for mineral water or some other water out of a bottle from prices ranging anywhere from RM2 for a local brand to RM8 or more for those swanky ones with foreign names.
Therefore, instead of paying RM2 for a bottle of water, many Malaysians with their misplaced sense of value choose instead to pay about half more and obtain a “real drink”, opting for sugared water or one of those brands which have a calorific value of less than one but a high caffeine content and a potentially harmful artificial (unnatural?) sweetener.
Friday, June 17, 2011
TheStar:IWK: Disposing of unwanted material the main cause of blockage in sewer pipes
IF YOU ever encounter the unpleasant situation of sewage and waste water flowing back into your premises, the root cause of the problem could either be you or someone you know.
There are about 14,000km of underground sewage pipes connecting more than 5,500 sewage treatment plants maintained by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK).
IWK Communications Depart-ment manager Shahrul Nizam Sulaiman said only waste from the toilet and kitchen would be directed to the sewer pipes.
“But the things that one can find in there are shocking.
Difficult work: IWK workers trying to clear a blockage by breaking up the hardened effluents.
“Many people take the easy way out by disposing of unwanted material into the sewer pipelines, causing clogging that eventually backfires on them.
“These blockages are mainly caused by rubbish, solid waste or hardened grease obstructing the flow of sewage and waste water in the underground pipes,” he said.
StarMetro was taken on a tour by IWK to watch a blockage clearing exercise in Jalan Anggerik Aranda 31/43 in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, where complaints were received from the residents of a back flow.
Shahrul said they would identify the pipes affected and use a jetter truck to shoot water at high pressure to release the blockage.
Sometimes, if solid materials were found, their men have to manually remove it while endangering their lives due to the high exposure to methane gas.
The blockage was identified to be in the underground pipelines located at the backlane of a row of shops.
Taken out: Mujiburahman showing the missing parts in the controls room.
Upon opening the manhole covers on both ends, thick layers of hardened grease were found to be the cause.
“This is predictable. Usually, areas with many restaurants are prone to blockages. Proper grease traps are a rarity in neighbourhood restaurants.
“All that are thrown into the kitchen sink, especially oil and fats flow into the sewage system and solidify, causing blockages,” he said.
Later the StarMetro team was taken to a sewage treatment plant in Taman Perindustrian Kinrara in Seksyen 1, Shah Alam, where illegal discharge was detected.
IWK customer service and public relations executive Mujiburahman Mohamed pointed out that the blackish waste water in the plant was a sign of non-sewage material.
“The normal colour should be dark brown. This is an industrial area and a lot of paint and recycling factories are in the area.
“We suspect these companies throw their chemical waste into the sewer lines through the toilet bowls, kitchen sinks, inspection chamber located in front or at the back of every premises or straight into the manhole,” he said.
These sewage treatment plants also become a target for thieves for the cables and copper material.
“The most recent theft occurred at the end of May at the network pumping station in Kemuning Utama in Seksyen 30, Shah Alam.
Dirty: The waste water in the sewage treatment plant in Taman Perindustrian Kinrara in Seksyen 1, Shah Alam is blackish in colour, a sign of illegal non-sewage discharge.
“They gained entry through cutting the wire fence and breaking the locks to the control room. The loss is estimated at RM110,000.
“It takes time for us to repair the plant and this affects our services.
“Annually, we suffer losses of about RM15mil. The public must know that sewage treatment plants are dangerous and many fatal accidents have occurred,” he said.
Shahrul said the people had to change their mentality and take a holistic approach in their daily lives.
“The people should be more conscious of the environment and dispose of rubbish properly. Companies should also dispose of their waste into proper channels and not only think about making profits.
“The public can also alert the police or IWK if any suspicious characters are spotted in or around sewage treatment plants.
“With the cooperation of all parties, we can enhance our services and strive for a safer and healthier environment,” he said.
Indah Water sewerage service is to ensure that sewage and waste water are treated in the public sewage treatment plants to safeguard public health, protect water resources and long-term preservation of the environment.
There are about 14,000km of underground sewage pipes connecting more than 5,500 sewage treatment plants maintained by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK).
IWK Communications Depart-ment manager Shahrul Nizam Sulaiman said only waste from the toilet and kitchen would be directed to the sewer pipes.
“But the things that one can find in there are shocking.
Difficult work: IWK workers trying to clear a blockage by breaking up the hardened effluents.
“Many people take the easy way out by disposing of unwanted material into the sewer pipelines, causing clogging that eventually backfires on them.
“These blockages are mainly caused by rubbish, solid waste or hardened grease obstructing the flow of sewage and waste water in the underground pipes,” he said.
StarMetro was taken on a tour by IWK to watch a blockage clearing exercise in Jalan Anggerik Aranda 31/43 in Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam, where complaints were received from the residents of a back flow.
Shahrul said they would identify the pipes affected and use a jetter truck to shoot water at high pressure to release the blockage.
Sometimes, if solid materials were found, their men have to manually remove it while endangering their lives due to the high exposure to methane gas.
The blockage was identified to be in the underground pipelines located at the backlane of a row of shops.
Taken out: Mujiburahman showing the missing parts in the controls room.
Upon opening the manhole covers on both ends, thick layers of hardened grease were found to be the cause.
“This is predictable. Usually, areas with many restaurants are prone to blockages. Proper grease traps are a rarity in neighbourhood restaurants.
“All that are thrown into the kitchen sink, especially oil and fats flow into the sewage system and solidify, causing blockages,” he said.
Later the StarMetro team was taken to a sewage treatment plant in Taman Perindustrian Kinrara in Seksyen 1, Shah Alam, where illegal discharge was detected.
IWK customer service and public relations executive Mujiburahman Mohamed pointed out that the blackish waste water in the plant was a sign of non-sewage material.
“The normal colour should be dark brown. This is an industrial area and a lot of paint and recycling factories are in the area.
“We suspect these companies throw their chemical waste into the sewer lines through the toilet bowls, kitchen sinks, inspection chamber located in front or at the back of every premises or straight into the manhole,” he said.
These sewage treatment plants also become a target for thieves for the cables and copper material.
“The most recent theft occurred at the end of May at the network pumping station in Kemuning Utama in Seksyen 30, Shah Alam.
Dirty: The waste water in the sewage treatment plant in Taman Perindustrian Kinrara in Seksyen 1, Shah Alam is blackish in colour, a sign of illegal non-sewage discharge.
“They gained entry through cutting the wire fence and breaking the locks to the control room. The loss is estimated at RM110,000.
“It takes time for us to repair the plant and this affects our services.
“Annually, we suffer losses of about RM15mil. The public must know that sewage treatment plants are dangerous and many fatal accidents have occurred,” he said.
Shahrul said the people had to change their mentality and take a holistic approach in their daily lives.
“The people should be more conscious of the environment and dispose of rubbish properly. Companies should also dispose of their waste into proper channels and not only think about making profits.
“The public can also alert the police or IWK if any suspicious characters are spotted in or around sewage treatment plants.
“With the cooperation of all parties, we can enhance our services and strive for a safer and healthier environment,” he said.
Indah Water sewerage service is to ensure that sewage and waste water are treated in the public sewage treatment plants to safeguard public health, protect water resources and long-term preservation of the environment.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
TheStar:Prospects of Selangor’s water sector consolidation dimmer
The plan to consolidate Selangor's water sector is looking dimmer by the day amid new valuations for its water assets by the Selangor state government, industry observers say.
The RM12bil, which is how much the state values the assets going by its latest announcement reported over the weekend, is against the Federal Government's valuation of about RM1bil for the assets.
“The latest valuation by the state serves to add to the existing disagreements between the Federal Government and the Pakatan Rakyat-led state on this issue of water consolidation,” an observer said.
The crux of the issue while more political than anything else, largely hinges on who is the rightful party to consolidate the state's water assets and have control over its operations.
The RM12bil, which is how much the state values the assets going by its latest announcement reported over the weekend, is against the Federal Government's valuation of about RM1bil for the assets.
“The latest valuation by the state serves to add to the existing disagreements between the Federal Government and the Pakatan Rakyat-led state on this issue of water consolidation,” an observer said.
The crux of the issue while more political than anything else, largely hinges on who is the rightful party to consolidate the state's water assets and have control over its operations.
Monday, June 13, 2011
MalaysianInsider:Selangor water assets worth RM12b, says MB
Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has revealed that the state’s water assets is valued at RM12 billion, 12 times more than an evaluation provided by the federal government recently.
Khalid, who had initially valued the assets at over RM10 billion, had appointed independent auditors to publish a full report of all water assets in the state to ensure that Selangor’s takeover of the state water industry from four water concessionaires is done in a “fair manner.”
“Last night, I was told after spending RM760, 000 to review all of the water assets belonging to the state government, I would like to announce that the state’s water assets is valued at RM12 billion.
“That is the problem with Umno, they don’t know how to count,” he said during a ceramah here last night.
Selangor’s water assets were valued at only RM1 billion by the federal government’s wholly-owned Water Asset Management Company (PAAB).
Khalid, who had initially valued the assets at over RM10 billion, had appointed independent auditors to publish a full report of all water assets in the state to ensure that Selangor’s takeover of the state water industry from four water concessionaires is done in a “fair manner.”
“Last night, I was told after spending RM760, 000 to review all of the water assets belonging to the state government, I would like to announce that the state’s water assets is valued at RM12 billion.
“That is the problem with Umno, they don’t know how to count,” he said during a ceramah here last night.
Selangor’s water assets were valued at only RM1 billion by the federal government’s wholly-owned Water Asset Management Company (PAAB).
Friday, June 3, 2011
Bernama:Najib Wants All States In Peninsula To Join Water Restructuring Initiative
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has told all states in Peninsula Malaysia to quickly join the National Water Services Industry Restructuring Initiative.
In the end, the move would surely benefit the people in the states, he said at the signing of the Penang State Water Supply Restructuring Agreement here today.
Present was Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Perlis have signed their respective water restructuring agreements.
"With today's signing, Penang became the first opposition state to sign the agreement. I hope it becomes a catalyst for other states," Najib said.
In the end, the move would surely benefit the people in the states, he said at the signing of the Penang State Water Supply Restructuring Agreement here today.
Present was Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor and Perlis have signed their respective water restructuring agreements.
"With today's signing, Penang became the first opposition state to sign the agreement. I hope it becomes a catalyst for other states," Najib said.
Bernama:PAAB's Acqua SPV Acquires 99.6 Per Cent Of Selangor Water Bonds
Acqua SPV Bhd has acquired 99.6 per cent of Selangor water bonds amounting to RM5.8 billion in nominal value, Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) Chief Executive Officer Datuk Faizal Abdul Rahman said Thursday.
The bondholders would be paid according to bond maturities by June 30, he said after the signing of the Penang State Water Supply Restructuring Agreement here.
PAAB, through Acqua SPV, made the offer to buy the bonds on May 20 to the existing bondholders of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd, Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd, Titisan Modal Sdn Bhd and Viable Chip Sdn Bhd under seven bond programmes.
Faizal said the offer took into account various factors such as the ratings, current yields, coupon structures and levels of liquidity of the bonds.
The bondholders would be paid according to bond maturities by June 30, he said after the signing of the Penang State Water Supply Restructuring Agreement here.
PAAB, through Acqua SPV, made the offer to buy the bonds on May 20 to the existing bondholders of Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Pengeluaran Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd, Puncak Niaga Sdn Bhd, Titisan Modal Sdn Bhd and Viable Chip Sdn Bhd under seven bond programmes.
Faizal said the offer took into account various factors such as the ratings, current yields, coupon structures and levels of liquidity of the bonds.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Bernama:Federal Government To Hold Talks With Selangor On Water Industry
The federal government will meet with the Selangor state government in the middle of this month in effort to resolve the long-drawn issue of restructuring the state's water industry.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, said the meeting would be held following the request from the Selangor government.
He, however, declined to give the actual date.
"We will look into the new things the state government wants to discuss.
"At the federal level, our position is that we are always looking to restructure the water industry," he told Bernama in an interview today.
He said since 2009, there had been discussions -- both at joint committee levels between the Selangor and federal government as well as between himself and Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim -- to iron out all issues related to the restructuring.
"However, it is sad to say that we have not been able to find a solution.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, said the meeting would be held following the request from the Selangor government.
He, however, declined to give the actual date.
"We will look into the new things the state government wants to discuss.
"At the federal level, our position is that we are always looking to restructure the water industry," he told Bernama in an interview today.
He said since 2009, there had been discussions -- both at joint committee levels between the Selangor and federal government as well as between himself and Selangor Menteri Besar, Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim -- to iron out all issues related to the restructuring.
"However, it is sad to say that we have not been able to find a solution.
PAAB, Penang Government To Sign Water Restructuring Deal Thursday
Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) will sign a water restructuring deal with the Penang state government on Thursday which marks another progress in the restructuring of the national water industry in the country.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, said the impending deal with the Penang government was part of the first phase by the federal government to consolidate the water industry.
"Penang will join four other states, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Perlis which had signed the water restructuring agreement and to surrender their water assets to PAAB.
"I don't see why Selangor is so difficult to do so. Penang can accept, all other states have approved. I don't see why Selangor cannot," he told Bernama in an interview.
It is believed that PAAB, the government's water asset management company, a wholly-owned unit under the Minister of Finance Inc, is expected to make an offer to buy the water assets in Penang for more than RM3 billion.
Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister, Datuk Peter Chin Fah Kui, said the impending deal with the Penang government was part of the first phase by the federal government to consolidate the water industry.
"Penang will join four other states, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Perlis which had signed the water restructuring agreement and to surrender their water assets to PAAB.
"I don't see why Selangor is so difficult to do so. Penang can accept, all other states have approved. I don't see why Selangor cannot," he told Bernama in an interview.
It is believed that PAAB, the government's water asset management company, a wholly-owned unit under the Minister of Finance Inc, is expected to make an offer to buy the water assets in Penang for more than RM3 billion.
TheStar:Puncak may incur loss this year
Water concessionaire Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd is expected to register a loss this financial year following the adoption of a new accounting treatment that requires certain charges to be capitalised as intangible assets and amortised.
Managing director Datuk Hashim Mahfar said in a statement yesterday that the IC Interpretation 12-Service Concession Arrangements, which were retrospective, had also resulted in a drop in shareholders' funds from RM1.5bil to RM35.6mil.
However, Puncak Niaga has obtained a conditional waiver from being categorised a PN17 company until the announcement of its second-quarter results for the period ending June 30, 2012.
(Under Bursa Malaysia rules, that would have been the case if a company's shareholders' funds fell below RM40mil).
Managing director Datuk Hashim Mahfar said in a statement yesterday that the IC Interpretation 12-Service Concession Arrangements, which were retrospective, had also resulted in a drop in shareholders' funds from RM1.5bil to RM35.6mil.
However, Puncak Niaga has obtained a conditional waiver from being categorised a PN17 company until the announcement of its second-quarter results for the period ending June 30, 2012.
(Under Bursa Malaysia rules, that would have been the case if a company's shareholders' funds fell below RM40mil).
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Harakah:Elektrik: BN main silap mata dengan rakyat
PAS menganggap kerajaan BN bermain silap mata dengan rakyat isu kenaikan tarif elektrik.
Ketua Penerangan PAS Pusat, Ustaz Idris Ahmad (gambar) berkata, sedangkan pada 25 Mei lalu kabinet memutuskan petrol RON 95 tidak naik dengan alasan prihatin kerajaan kepada rakyat.
Tiba-tiba, katanya rakyat dikejutkan dengan pengumuman kerajaan mengenai kenaikan tarif elektrik 7.12% bermula 1 Jun (esok).
Katanya, menjadi kebiasaan akhbar Umno, Utusan Malaysia dengan tajuk "Tiada Kenaikan Guna 300 kWj".
“Inilah kerja Utusan Malaysia yang mencari apa sahaja hujah untuk membela penguasa yang tidak berhati perut terhadap rakyat.
Ketua Penerangan PAS Pusat, Ustaz Idris Ahmad (gambar) berkata, sedangkan pada 25 Mei lalu kabinet memutuskan petrol RON 95 tidak naik dengan alasan prihatin kerajaan kepada rakyat.
Tiba-tiba, katanya rakyat dikejutkan dengan pengumuman kerajaan mengenai kenaikan tarif elektrik 7.12% bermula 1 Jun (esok).
Katanya, menjadi kebiasaan akhbar Umno, Utusan Malaysia dengan tajuk "Tiada Kenaikan Guna 300 kWj".
“Inilah kerja Utusan Malaysia yang mencari apa sahaja hujah untuk membela penguasa yang tidak berhati perut terhadap rakyat.
KPRU: Kenaikan Tarif Elektrik Tingkat Inflasi
Kajian Politik untuk Perubahan (KPRU) berasa kesal dengan langkah kerajaan untuk meningkatkan tarif elektrik secara purata sebanyak 7.12% mulai Jun 2011 mahupun pelbagai pihak, termasuk pakar ekonomi telah mengingatkan kerajaan bahawa tekanan inflasi semakin mendesak.
Dalam pada itu, kerajaan juga mengumumkan bahawa tarif elektrik di negara ini akan dinaikkan setiap 6 bulan bagi tahun-tahun berikut supaya selaras dengan kenaikan harga gas asli yang dijual oleh Petronas kepada pengeluar tenaga.
Pengumuman kerajaan bahawa 4.4 juta atau 75% pengguna di Malaysia tidak akan mengalami sebarang kenaikan tarif elektrik memang dalam jangkaan.
Akan tetapi, kerajaan secara sengaja mengabaikan satu fakta, iaitu harga barangan harian dan makanan akan meningkat susulan daripada pengumuman tersebut. Hal ini kerana pihak industri pengeluaran makanan yang menggunakan sebahagian besar tenaga elektrik dijangka memindah kos berkaitan kepada pihak pengguna.
Dalam pada itu, kerajaan juga mengumumkan bahawa tarif elektrik di negara ini akan dinaikkan setiap 6 bulan bagi tahun-tahun berikut supaya selaras dengan kenaikan harga gas asli yang dijual oleh Petronas kepada pengeluar tenaga.
Pengumuman kerajaan bahawa 4.4 juta atau 75% pengguna di Malaysia tidak akan mengalami sebarang kenaikan tarif elektrik memang dalam jangkaan.
Akan tetapi, kerajaan secara sengaja mengabaikan satu fakta, iaitu harga barangan harian dan makanan akan meningkat susulan daripada pengumuman tersebut. Hal ini kerana pihak industri pengeluaran makanan yang menggunakan sebahagian besar tenaga elektrik dijangka memindah kos berkaitan kepada pihak pengguna.
TheStar:Bondholders respond positively to PAAB’s plan to buy Selangor water debts
Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd's (PAAB) offer to buy up Selangor's water-related bonds have been “well-received” by bondholders, according to reliable sources.
The sources, however, were not able to confirm as at press time if PAAB was able to secure the minimum 75% take-up rate of its offer, which is a condition placed by PAAB.
The offer, which was made via PAAB's unit Acqua SPV Bhd, expired yesterday.
OSK Research analyst for the water sector Vincent Lim said the bondholders were left with little choice but to accept the offer as the bonds were due for repayment very soon.
A file picture shows a Syabas employee checking water pipes in Sepang. The water sector in Selangor is by far the most fragmented in the country.
The structure of the entire offer, reportedly to be valued at about RM6.5bil, is unclear but it is understood that Acqua SPV is buying back the debt papers at par value, which means bondholders are likely to forego any future coupon payment of the bonds.
“That said, the bondholders are better off taking up PAAB's offer as there could be more complications in the state's water sector, and the bonds stand a good chance of defaulting,” Lim said.
So far, the outstanding water bonds that are rated, excluding the ones issued by PAAB, are said to amount to RM6.7bil of the total RM9.02bil issued.
The payment to the bondholders taking up PAAB's offer will be made on June 30.
The bondholders include institutions such as Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
The bonds were issued to spearhead the consolidation of the water industry in Selangor that has been dragging on for more than two years.
Due to the ongoing issues in Selangor's water industry, Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd and RAM Ratings Services Bhd had simultaneously downgraded the ratings of the state's water-related debt issuances as far back as last year on “uncertainness in the operating environment” and “perceived lack of government support” for the sector.
The financial issues of the water companies in Selangor started because they had not received payments from Puncak Niaga Holding Bhd's unit, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), the principal concessionaire in Selangor.
Syabas pays these companies to treat water before it is being supplied to consumers in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
Syabas is cash-strapped because it did not get a 37% tariff hike, which was due in 2009, as the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government claimed that Syabas did not fulfil certain criteria for that hike.
The water sector in Selangor is by far the most fragmented in the country. The main parties involved are the Federal Government, state government and water players, with Puncak Niaga as the core company.
Puncak Niaga is said to be closely linked to Barisan Nasional, which adds political complications to the situation, observers say.- THESTAR
The sources, however, were not able to confirm as at press time if PAAB was able to secure the minimum 75% take-up rate of its offer, which is a condition placed by PAAB.
The offer, which was made via PAAB's unit Acqua SPV Bhd, expired yesterday.
OSK Research analyst for the water sector Vincent Lim said the bondholders were left with little choice but to accept the offer as the bonds were due for repayment very soon.
A file picture shows a Syabas employee checking water pipes in Sepang. The water sector in Selangor is by far the most fragmented in the country.
The structure of the entire offer, reportedly to be valued at about RM6.5bil, is unclear but it is understood that Acqua SPV is buying back the debt papers at par value, which means bondholders are likely to forego any future coupon payment of the bonds.
“That said, the bondholders are better off taking up PAAB's offer as there could be more complications in the state's water sector, and the bonds stand a good chance of defaulting,” Lim said.
So far, the outstanding water bonds that are rated, excluding the ones issued by PAAB, are said to amount to RM6.7bil of the total RM9.02bil issued.
The payment to the bondholders taking up PAAB's offer will be made on June 30.
The bondholders include institutions such as Great Eastern Life Assurance (M) Bhd, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
The bonds were issued to spearhead the consolidation of the water industry in Selangor that has been dragging on for more than two years.
Due to the ongoing issues in Selangor's water industry, Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd and RAM Ratings Services Bhd had simultaneously downgraded the ratings of the state's water-related debt issuances as far back as last year on “uncertainness in the operating environment” and “perceived lack of government support” for the sector.
The financial issues of the water companies in Selangor started because they had not received payments from Puncak Niaga Holding Bhd's unit, Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas), the principal concessionaire in Selangor.
Syabas pays these companies to treat water before it is being supplied to consumers in Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
Syabas is cash-strapped because it did not get a 37% tariff hike, which was due in 2009, as the Pakatan Rakyat-led Selangor government claimed that Syabas did not fulfil certain criteria for that hike.
The water sector in Selangor is by far the most fragmented in the country. The main parties involved are the Federal Government, state government and water players, with Puncak Niaga as the core company.
Puncak Niaga is said to be closely linked to Barisan Nasional, which adds political complications to the situation, observers say.- THESTAR
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)