KUANTAN: Pahang is urging the Terengganu government to reduce the cost of treated water supplied to the Gebeng Industrial Area, aiming to attract more investors with a more competitive rate. This appeal comes at the inauguration of the new Kemaman-Gebeng pipeline.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail emphasized the mutual benefits of the water supply to the industrial zone, which lies at the border of Pahang and Terengganu. The current rate set by Terengganu stands at RM1.40 per cubic meter, but Pahang seeks a reduction to foster economic cooperation and spillover benefits for both states.
The discussion over water rates will involve the Pahang and Terengganu governments, alongside Pengurusan Air Pahang Berhad (PAIP) and Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd (SATU). The inauguration event, which included the handover of the Water Distribution Pipeline Construction Project from Kemaman to Gebeng by the East Coast Economic Regional Development Council (ECERDC), mark
s a significant step in resolving water supply issues in the Gebeng Industrial Area.
The newly completed 29.8-kilometer pipeline is set to deliver up to 90 million liters of treated water per day from Kemaman to Gebeng, ensuring a reliable supply to meet the industrial and community needs in the area. This development aims to stabilize the water supply as demand is projected to rise to 466 million liters per day by 2025, a substantial increase from the current 290 million liters per day.
Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail expressed gratitude to the Federal government, the Terengganu government, and ECERDC for realizing the project, which alleviates investor concerns over water shortages. He noted that the pipeline would contribute to the region’s industrial growth.
Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar highlighted the strategic nature of the project, which aligns with efforts to mutually develop resources between the two states. He anticipated that the clean water pipeline would catalyz
e economic growth in both Terengganu and Pahang, bolstering the East Coast region as a desirable investment hub.
Dr. Ahmad Samsuri added that the project would enhance water supply security for industrial zones, including the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), and foster economic activity and employment opportunities in the Kemaman district.