Sungai petani: The upgrade of the Bukit Selambau Water Treatment Plant is encountering significant delays and is at risk of becoming a 'white elephant' project, following its third extension of time, which is set to conclude on November 16.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah State Legislative Assembly Opposition Leader Bau Wong Bau Ek has attributed the delays primarily to the slow delivery of water pumps, which could take up to six months, severely impacting the project's progress. Bau Wong has called upon the state government to allocate the necessary funds and create a contingency plan to ensure the project is completed without further setbacks.

Bau Wong emphasized the importance of such initiatives, noting, "This is crucial as such projects are part of efforts to strengthen the state's treated water reserve," during the 2026 Kedah Budget debate at the State Assembly sitting. He also mentioned that improving the quality of treated water should align with the recent increase in water tariffs.

In his address, Bau Wong also underscored the urgent need to prioritize affordable housing for low- and middle-income groups to accommodate the growing population in the region. He cited local authority statistics from 2020 to 2025, noting that no construction was carried out by 11 local councils in Kedah during the past two years, except by the Kulim Municipal Council, which completed 112 units.

Looking ahead to 2025, Bau Wong revealed that only three councils have planned but not yet initiated affordable housing projects. These include the Sungai Petani Municipal Council with 271 units, the Kubang Pasu Municipal Council with 72 units, and the Alor Setar City Council with 42 units.

In conclusion, Bau Wong stressed, "Affordable housing must remain a focus of the state budget as it underpins social well-being, economic growth, and sustainable development in Kedah."