Commenting on the issue of water management in his state, Sultan Ibrahim said he had cautioned the state government a few years ago about an impending water crisis, and said that the privatisation of Syarikat Air Johor was a mistake.
He said, however, current Menteri Besar Mohamed Khaled Nordin was not to blame as he had come into the picture only later on.
“Now, my Menteri Besar and I are cracking our heads to solve this problem. It is an issue that causes me sleepless nights,” he said, adding that lower rainfall had caused two dams to dry up.
Sultan Ibrahim said water rationing had to be enforced in Mersing and that some water meant for Singapore had to be used by the state.
“We don’t have to look further than Singapore to learn how to manage water. Don’t be shy!
“Why must we look to faraway countries to learn? It would be a waste of government money. We must recycle water for industrial use.”
Sultan Ibrahim lamented that there were industries in Pasir Gudang consuming large quantities of water while housing estates next door had to go without.
He also said while everyone wanted development, it was crucial to take care of nature, and in this respect, urged the authorities to be selective of the industries they chose to develop.
“There are instances where we have allowed industries here that Singapore has rejected,” he said, adding the authorities should choose industries which were green and safe.
This was why he said it was important for those outside the state to understand Johor sentiments, as some of the decisions made by these parties had impacted Johoreans.
“When you make deals with Singapore and don’t refer to us when we share the same geography and resources, our people are affected.”
This is not the first time Sultan Ibrahim has praised neighbours Singapore. Last year the ruler said there was much to learn from the Republic as it had “done well”. There were many things in Singapore, he added, that were “correct and efficient.”
Yesterday, DAP’s Kluang MP, Liew Chin Tong, said Kluang residents had been facing water rationing since Aug 16, while those in Mersing had been suffering for almost five months.
He attributed this to illegal farming and plantations around dams, as well as the lack of water catchment areas.