By Zaki Salleh
IPOH: Perak will have more organized and improved water resource management as the Perak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has passed the Perak Water Resources Bill (RUUSA) 2023.
RUUSA replaces the Water Act 1920 and introduces new provisions for integrated management of water usage, development, and protection.
The Speaker of the Perak State Legislative Assembly, Datuk Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid, announced that the bill was passed with a majority of votes in favor.
A total of 22 State Assembly Members (ADUN) participated in the debate, consisting of 11 government ADUNs and 11 representing the opposition.
State Exco for Infrastructure, Energy, Water, and Public Transportation, Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, while presenting the bill, stated that it would establish a structured Perak Water Resources Management Board.
This board will be equipped with the power of enactments, regulations, and specialized workforce to manage water resources on behalf of the state government.
“This bill will ensure strengthened oversight of state water resource management through licensing and enforcement mechanisms, with a particular focus on pollution control and the protection of water resources, to ensure the sustainability of Perak’s water resources for the people of Perak,” he said during the State Assembly session.
Mohammad Nizar emphasized that details regarding fees, charges, and licensing rates would be refined through a comprehensive engagement session with stakeholders before being finalized by the state authorities.
