SHAH ALAM, 29 April 2009: The federal government has agreed to work with the Selangor government to find the best solution for the restructuring of the state’s water services industry. A press statement from the Selangor menteri besar’s office said a joint taskforce would be set up to find an amicable solution to all pending […]
concessionaires
Govt wants solution to toll hike issue
KLANG, 17 April 2009: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has directed the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister’s Department to find a comprehensive solution to address the perennial issue of having to raise toll rates every three years. “I’ve directed the EPU to suggest to the government a comprehensive solution to tackle […]
S’gor’s plan for water concession rights purchase
SHAH ALAM, 11 March 2009: Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim today said the state government would use proceeds from the sale of its water assets, estimated at RM9 billion, to Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd to finance the purchase of the assets and concession rights of the four water concessionaires in Selangor. “The […]
Water: Union, NGOs back Selangor
By Financial DailyKUALA LUMPUR, 6 March 2009: Selangor has roped in the help of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and a union to back its bid to regain control of water distribution in the state. At a press conference in parliament yesterday, the Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) and the Coalition Against Water Privatisation (CAWP) handed a memorandum to […]
Cabinet to reconsider toll hike: PM
PATTAYA, 26 Feb 2009: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said he will ask the Cabinet to reconsider the toll increase for five expressways scheduled to be effective on 1 March, because it is presently inappropriate. He said the review would be discussed at the Cabinet’s weekly meeting tomorrow, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri […]
Proposals for a toll-free Malaysia
By Teh Chi-Chang(© Bask Oner) THE DAP Ops Restore (Restructure Toll Rates and Equity) Team would like to congratulate the works minister for declassifying most of the highway toll concession agreements. We also congratulate him for following up by removing two toll plazas at the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and the Sungei Besi Highway in the past […]
S’gor reiterates RM5.9bil offer
SHAH ALAM, 23 Feb 2009: The Selangor government has reiterated its RM5.9 billion offer to take over the operations and maintenance of the four water concessionaires in the state. “Although we are willing to be part of the federal government’s move to negotiate directly with the water concessionaires to acquire the assets, the decision on […]
Selangor govt cries foul
By Deborah LohPETALING JAYA, 19 Feb 2009: The Selangor government is crying foul over being by-passed in the restructuring of the state’s water supply services. Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim has accused the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) of siding with private concessionaires by allowing direct negotiations between Pengurusan Aset Air Bhd (PAAB) and the four […]
Toll rates, the Sri Lankan war and language
By The Nut Graph and BFM 89.9FOR the week between 12 and 19 Jan 2009, the different vernacular presses highlighted both national and international issues. In this BFM 89.9 audio report of Found in Translation, toll discounts, the ongoing Sri Lankan civil war, and the use of English to teach Maths and Science are highlighted. BFM 89.9 is a 24-hour radio […]
More disclosures should follow
By Gayathry VenkiteswaranTHE Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) welcomes the government’s decision to declassify all highway concession contracts except one and expresses hope that future contracts with public interest are made under more open and transparent conditions. Though long overdue, the announcement by the Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamad is only the tip of the iceberg […]