Gamuda JV to develop Perak water infrastructure
PETALING JAYA: Gamuda Bhd and Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) have been appointed by the Perak state government to jointly develop and operate water treatment and distribution infrastructure in Kerian, Northern Perak.
The project forms part of the Northern Perak Water Supply Scheme (NPWSS), a strategic initiative with a total estimated development value of RM5bil.
Introduced by the Perak state and federal governments, the scheme aims to address long-standing water shortages for irrigation, domestic and industrial use in the region.
According to the terms of appointment, the Gamuda-PKNPk joint venture (JV) will undertake the infrastructure development and operations on a minimum 40-year concession basis.
As part of the project scope, the JV will be responsible for supplying treated water to the upcoming Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park, while any excess treated water will be sold to the neighbouring state of Penang.
The NPWSS scheme involves the transfer of 1,500 million litres per day (MLD) of raw water from Sungai Perak to the Bukit Merah Dam.
Of this amount, 500 MLD will be allocated to meet the immediate irrigation needs of Northern Perak, with the remainder to be treated and channelled for domestic and industrial use across the state.
The privatisation agreement is expected to be finalised within 90 days from the date of appointment to facilitate timely implementation of the scheme, which is targeted for completion by 2030.
The project is still subject to approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities.
In a statement, Gamuda Engineering Sdn Bhd executive director Faris Mohd Yusof said the approval marked a progressive step towards the realisation of Northern Perak's long-term water security strategy by 2030.
'We are pleased to have been entrusted with the opportunity to jointly develop a key component of the NPWSS scheme for our home state of Perak.
'We are committed to ensure the critical delivery of water for the state with a focus on local workforce and community development,' he said.
Faris added that the project affirms the group's expertise in water-related infrastructure, citing past projects such as the Skim Bekalan Air Fasa 3 Sungai Selangor and the Smart Tunnel.
He added that Gamuda's experience in water treatment plants, distribution networks and tunnelling positions the group well to deliver the essential infrastructure.
Gamuda has also been involved in other major water infrastructure developments.
These include the RM4bil Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme, slated to begin construction in 2026, and the RM1.97bil Sungai Rasau Water Supply Scheme Stage 1, currently ongoing with completion expected by mid-2025.
The group also holds a 75% stake in the Ulu Padas hydroelectric project in Sabah, valued between RM3bil and RM4bil, with a scheduled commercial operation in 2030.
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