The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) has confirmed that it has not received any applications for the RM5 billion Northern Perak Water Supply Scheme (NPWSS), despite earlier reports about a joint venture planning to carry out the project.
SPAN emphasised that while private sector participation in water projects is encouraged under the government’s Water Transformation Plan 2040, all parties must comply with the law.
“As the regulatory body for the water services industry, SPAN ensures that the planning, development and distribution of water adhere to the provisions of the Water Services Industry Act 2006 and its subsidiary legislation. Compliance is essential to protect the interests of all parties, including consumers,” the commission said in a statement.
SPAN also urged project promoters to seek official approval before making public statements to prevent confusion.
The NPWSS, to be developed by a joint venture between the Perak State Development Corporation and Gamuda (PKNPk-Gamuda JV), is designed to address water shortages in northern Perak for irrigation, domestic, and industrial use.
Under a draft arrangement, Penang could potentially purchase surplus treated water from the scheme, paying an annual capacity charge of RM210 million and a treated water rate of RM1.70 per cubic metre. The project is expected to provide a guaranteed supply of 300 million litres of water per day over 40 years, with a rate review at the halfway point.
SPAN reiterated that no applications have been received and that all legal procedures must be followed before the project can proceed.
