Melaka-Johor to enhance cooperation in water supply, says CM

MELAKA (June 24): The Melaka and Johor governments will enhance cooperation in various aspects including water supply to ensure Melaka will not be affected especially during the hot and dry season which is expected to occur between September and October.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Sulaiman Md Ali said the cooperation would also include improving the water supply agreement signed by both parties a long time ago, and Johor was among the main water resources for Melaka.

“After 100 days of Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration in Melaka, I have met the head of the neighbouring states to strenghten our relations besides discussing several current issues involving the states.

“One of them is water supply and we hope the Johor government can continue to supply water to Melaka and increase the capacity in future. Melaka will also implement long- and short-term initiatives to ensure sufficient water supply,” he said after visiting Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ayer Keroh in conjunction with the reopening of schools today.

On Sunday, Sulaiman shared on his official Facebook account his meeting with the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, at Istana Pasir Pelangi, Johor Baru.

Elaborating, Sulaiman said with such cooperation, it is hoped that water supply in Melaka would not be affected in future if it is used wisely.

He said Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd (SAMB) and the state Water Regulatory Body (BKSA) had been directed to continue with water-saving efforts and management to ensure sufficient water supply to face the hot and dry season soon.

Meanwhile, Sulaiman said Melaka was also keen to learn from the Johor goverment, especially on the development and advancement aspects.