KLUANG: The federal government will ensure that Johor has sufficient water to support the influx of investors flocking to the state, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, said this was important following the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and the rising number of data centres in the state.

"I would like to commend the state government for its forward planning to ensure there are no water supply issues in Johor, a place that has become a major attraction to investors, especially with the development of the special economic zone and data centres.

"The ministry will work closely with the state government to make sure that the water supply needs of investors are fulfilled. This is also in terms of energy resources, including renewable energy," he said at a press conference after a working visit to Kluang, including a visit to the Kahang water treatment plant and the Kahang Dam here.

The plant, which has been active since April this year, sbenefit some 21,000 account holders in the Kluang district and areas.

Meanwhile, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said a task force involving the state and federal government has also been formed to discuss projects involving floods and water resources.

"The committee has been having meetings almost on a monthly basis to discuss these issues and monitor the progress of flood mitigation projects.

"Currently, there are seven ongoing flood mitigation projects involving RM1.4bil state wide, which are being monitored by both the state and federal governments," he said, adding that the projects are progressing well.

Asked if the task force would also focus on water supply issues involving the JS-SEZ and data centres, he said it covers water issues involving the whole of Johor.

"We do not just discuss the SEZ or data centres but the supply of water statewide and flood issues," he said.

Last month, state investment, trade and consumer affairs committee chairman Lee Ting Han said Johor will ensure that domestic consumers will not experience water supply disruptions as more data centre providers plan to set up operations in the state.

Lee said the Johor Data Centre Coordinating Committee (JDCCC) will introduce guidelines on the usage of water and power by the data centres.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/08/govt-will-ensure-johor039s-water-needs-are-fulfilled-says-dpm