Perak to supply water to Penang only if surplus available

Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad has stipulated that water supplies to Penang will only proceed if the northern state has a surplus beyond its own requirements. The conditional arrangement reflects concerns about Perak's water security and resource management. Saarani indicated that the state is open to the proposal but requires assurances that local water needs are adequately met before any transfer occurs. The water transfer initiative, if realised, would help address supply pressures in Penang. However, the project's viability depends significantly on federal government support and funding allocation. Saarani has appealed to Putrajaya to consider financing the infrastructure required for the inter-state water transfer scheme. The menteri besar's remarks underscore the delicate balance states must maintain between supporting neighbouring regions and protecting their own water resources during periods of increasing demand.