Several consumer groups and community-based organisations today
submitted a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia
(Suhakam), stating concern over plans to privatise the management of
water resources and sanitation services.
Led by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations and ERA Consumer, the group of 17 associations claimed that the government's decision would breach a fundamental human right.
The memorandum was submitted as part of the group's efforts to promote and defend 'Water as a Human Right'.
The group also plans to launch a national water campaign on March 22 next year to raise awareness on sustainable use of water and to ensure that water is accessible, available, affordable and safe for consumers.
"We are concerned about the handing over of water resources or management of water resources through private-public partnership," they said in a joint statement.
"This will transform water from a fundamental human right, a common heritage that belongs to all Malaysians, into a commodity traded on the open market."
They said water resources should remain under state control to ensure that access based on need and not affordability.
Public scrutiny
The group has asked Suhakam to institute a national dialogue in order to outline the human rights implications vis--vis privatisation of water resources.
"We urge that consumer organisations and other elements of civil society be widely consulted as part of the inquiry and consultation process," their memorandum said.
They also want Suhakam to investigate whether existing privatisation projects or private-public partnerships in various states have violated the basic right to water.
In addition, they said Suhakam should request the government to open all privatisation contracts - especially for water - to public scrutiny "consistent with state obligation to respect, fulfill and protect the right to water of all citizens".
Led by the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations and ERA Consumer, the group of 17 associations claimed that the government's decision would breach a fundamental human right.
The memorandum was submitted as part of the group's efforts to promote and defend 'Water as a Human Right'.
The group also plans to launch a national water campaign on March 22 next year to raise awareness on sustainable use of water and to ensure that water is accessible, available, affordable and safe for consumers.
"We are concerned about the handing over of water resources or management of water resources through private-public partnership," they said in a joint statement.
"This will transform water from a fundamental human right, a common heritage that belongs to all Malaysians, into a commodity traded on the open market."
They said water resources should remain under state control to ensure that access based on need and not affordability.
Public scrutiny
The group has asked Suhakam to institute a national dialogue in order to outline the human rights implications vis--vis privatisation of water resources.
"We urge that consumer organisations and other elements of civil society be widely consulted as part of the inquiry and consultation process," their memorandum said.
They also want Suhakam to investigate whether existing privatisation projects or private-public partnerships in various states have violated the basic right to water.
In addition, they said Suhakam should request the government to open all privatisation contracts - especially for water - to public scrutiny "consistent with state obligation to respect, fulfill and protect the right to water of all citizens".
'We also urge the prime minister to take cognisance of the importance of water for human life," they added.
The move to privatise water-resource management has been in the pipeline for years and is expected to cost an estimated RM10 billion.
Recently, the Selangor government awarded a contract for the state water supply system to Selangor Water Supply company (Syabas). The company is 70 percent owned by Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, which will reportedly earn an estimated RM1 billion annually from the contract.
As a part of the deal, the Federal government will provide financial assistance of RM2.9 billion to Syabas to meet the company's working capital requirements, pay for new capital works and repay the state government's debt to three water treatment companies.
The move to privatise water-resource management has been in the pipeline for years and is expected to cost an estimated RM10 billion.
Recently, the Selangor government awarded a contract for the state water supply system to Selangor Water Supply company (Syabas). The company is 70 percent owned by Puncak Niaga Holdings Bhd, which will reportedly earn an estimated RM1 billion annually from the contract.
As a part of the deal, the Federal government will provide financial assistance of RM2.9 billion to Syabas to meet the company's working capital requirements, pay for new capital works and repay the state government's debt to three water treatment companies.
No comments:
Post a Comment