PAAB approves RM420 mln allocation for Melaka involving over 12 projects

MELAKA, Feb 23  -- Pengurusan Aset Air Berhad (PAAB) has approved an allocation of RM420 million for Melaka to implement more than 12 projects involving the upgrading of treated water infrastructure in the state over a three-year period beginning last year.

Its chairman, Datuk Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali said among the projects were upgrading of the Merlimau, Jus and Air Jernih water treatment plants to ensure the residents of Melaka enjoy sufficient clean water supply.

"PAAB will manage the tenders for implementation of these projects while there are those handed over to the state government through Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad (SAMB) to be managed.

"Usually, we give 10 per cent from the total allocation approved by the state government to be managed involving the tender and selection of contractors so as to speed up the projects over the three-year period,” he said at a news conference at Seri Negeri, here, today.

Earlier, Mohd Khairuddin met with Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali to discuss water infrastructure development and upgrading projects in the state.    

Mohd Khairuddin said allocations approved for the Melaka state government depended on the budget approved by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and each state received a different amount of allocations.

For example, he said, RM920 was approved for the Pahang government to upgrade the treated water infrastructure in that state for a three-year period, also beginning last year.

“The projects implemented will offer many job opportunities to the locals, particularly in water management besides enhancing their skills in that field," he added.

On another development, Mohd Khairuddin who is also former secretary of the PAS Ulama Syura Council (MSU), said he would be assisting the party’s election machinery in the Johor state election campaign although he was no longer holding any important position in the party.

"I have voluntarily resigned as secretary and a member of the PAS MSU and I would like to state here that I’ve not had a disappointment in life...everything happens for a reason. I am positive in life because as a political fighter, there is much work to be done,” he said.

On Monday, Mohd Khairuddin, who is also the MP for Kuala Nerus and still a PAS member, was reported to have resigned as secretary and a member of the PAS MSU, based on Clause 8 (7) and Clause 8 (5) of the PAS constitution, respectively. 

-- BERNAMA