Johor aims to build new treatment plants in 3 to 4 years to cut reliance on Singapore water

JOHOR BARU — Johor plans to build several new water treatment plants in the next three to four years to better manage its resources and reduce reliance on buying treated water from Singapore, said its chief minister Osman Sapian.

“I have also had a talk with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir about the matter and we are looking for ways not to be dependent on treated water from Singapore,” The Star quoted him as saying on Thursday (March 21).

He added that Johor is expected to have water treatment plants in the next three to four years, without giving details.

“I have also discussed the issue with the Johor sultan and he has no opposition,” he said.

Mr Osman had said earlier this month that Johor may stop relying on the treated water it buys from Singapore.

Under the 1962 water agreement, Singapore can buy 250 million gallons of water a day from the Johor River, at 3 sen for every 1,000 gallons.

In return, Johor has the right to buy back a daily supply of treated water from Singapore, of up to 2 per cent of the raw water it supplied, at 50 sen for every 1,000 gallons.

According to Singapore, the cost of water treatment is RM2.40 for every 1,000 gallons, based on 2003 prices.

Both countries are embroiled in a dispute over the price of water. AGENCIES