Penang: The Penang Legislative Assembly today passed the Penang Water Resources Bill 2025 to manage the state’s water resources in a more integrated, holistic, and sustainable manner. The Bill was passed by a majority voice vote after being debated by six assemblymen from the government and opposition blocs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who tabled the Bill, stated that its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development, and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He emphasized the necessity of the new enactment to replace the outdated Water Enactment of 1967, which only grants authority through district officers and lacks provisions to meet current needs.
Zairil highlighted the gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution. He stressed that with mounting pressure from population growth, rapid development, and the effects of climate change, water management requires a more systematic, efficient approach backed by strong legal authority.
The Bill is designed to provide a solid legal foundation for stricter monitoring and enforcement, the integration of smart technologies in water management, and clearer definitions of the rights and responsibilities of various stakeholders in safeguarding water resources. The state government is confident that the Bill, comprising 61 clauses across 10 parts, will offer a clearer legal framework to govern the abstraction, use, conservation, and quality of water resources on the island.
Additionally, the assembly passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025 and two motions: the Special Report of the Committee on Standing Orders of the Penang Legislative Assembly, and the activation of the Select Committee on Federal-State Relations. The first meeting of the third session of the 15th Penang State Legislative Assembly, which began on May 19, saw the submission of 75 oral questions, 769 written questions, and the tabling of two Bills and three motions. The sitting was adjourned to a date to be determined later.