Latest news with #ZairilKhirJohari
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for integrated, holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: 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. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. '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,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would 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. As such, he said 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. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with 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.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang passes water resources bill for holistic management
GEORGE TOWN: 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. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. '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,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would 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. As such, he said 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. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with 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.
Barnama
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Penang Passes Water Resources Bill For Integrated, Holistic Management
GEORGE TOWN, May 22 (Bernama) -- 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. When tabling the Bill earlier, State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, said its introduction is a strategic move toward integrated management of water use, development and protection to enhance greater efficiency. He explained that the new enactment is necessary to replace the Water Enactment of 1967, which is outdated and limited in scope, as it only grants authority through district officers and lacks the provisions required to meet current needs. 'In addition, there are gaps in existing federal laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, that hinder a comprehensive approach to addressing water pollution,' he said. "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,' said Zairil. He explained that the Bill would 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. As such, he said 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. The assembly also passed the Penang Water Resources Board Bill 2025, along with 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 Star
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Penang state assembly approves two water-related Bills
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang State Assembly has unanimously approved two water-related Bills, namely the Penang Water Resources Enactment 2025 and the Penang Water Resources Board Enactment 2025. The Bills were tabled by Penang infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari (PH-Tanjong Bungah) to strengthen the state's framework for water resource management. The legislation covers the protection, conservation and efficient usage of water resources, as well as provisions for licensing, offences and penalties. All assemblymen from Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional voted in favour of the Bill. The state assembly also approved a motion to reactivate a select committee on state and federal relations proposed by Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk). The committee will now be headed by Gooi Hsiao Leong (PH-Bukit Tengah) with Lee, Datuk Azrul Mahathir Aziz (PH-Bayan Lepas), Teh Lai Heng (PH-Komtar), Tan Hooi Peng (PH-Seri Delima), Muhammad Fauzi Yusoff (PN-Sungai Dua) and Izhar Shah Arif Shah (PN-Seberang Jaya) as members. According to Lee, the committee is important to strengthen the role of the assembly as an institution of checks and balances, as well as to reinforce a more equitable, transparent and constructive bilateral relationship between the state and the Federal Government.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Mutiara Line LRT land probe to determine compensation
GEORGE TOWN: The exact number of residents affected by the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project will only be determined once an investigation under Section 12 of the Land Acquisition Act (LAA) 1960 is conducted. State Infrastructure, Transport and Digital Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the investigation would be conducted soon, as the gazetting of Section 8 of the LAA 1960 was only completed on April 10. 'The quantum of compensation will only be finalised after the investigation process under section 12 of the LAA 1960, on all stakeholders, is completed. As of now, the compensation assessment process has not yet been implemented, and this will be determined by the Land Tribunal,' he said. He said this in his reply to an oral question from Muhamad Kasim (PN-Telok Bahang) on the progress of site preparation work and the route of the Mutiara Line LRT project, as well as the number of residents affected by land or property acquisition and the compensation involved. Zairil said the LRT project is currently at the land acquisition stage, which has been gazetted under the LAA 1960 by the State Land and Mines Office, in collaboration with the project owner, Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp), for the lots involved in Segment 1 of the line, stretching from Komtar to Permatang Damar Laut. He said permission had been given to MRT Corp to use 86 government land lots so far, while preliminary works are underway following approval under Section 20A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1976. Zairil added that the Mutiara Line LRT project is currently in the preliminary preparation phase, with a key focus on relocating existing utilities, an essential step that must be completed before the construction of any stations or flyovers can begin. He also said that the state government is committed to ensuring the project is implemented transparently and efficiently in accordance with the set schedule, and has taken several proactive measures to that end. Among them is the requirement for MRT Corp to submit monthly progress reports to the State Executive Council (MMK) meetings, chaired by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, to enable periodic monitoring of the project's development. 'In addition, construction activities are being closely monitored by the local authorities (PBT), and a mega project traffic management task force has been established in Penang specifically to oversee and ensure the smooth implementation of the project,' he said. The physical works for the project, estimated to cost around RM13 billion based on the latest scope and design, are expected to begin in the third quarter of this year, with large-scale construction slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. The 29.5-kilometre Mutiara Line LRT will feature 21 strategically located stations and is designed to enhance connectivity between Penang Island and the mainland, reduce road congestion, and improve overall accessibility.
