PKNPk, Gamuda In Pact To Address Critical Water Shortages In Northern Perak

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Perak (PKNPk) and Gamuda Bhd have signed an exclusive arrangement with the intent to develop an infrastructure to address critical water shortages in Northern Perak.

In a joint statement, PKNPk and Gamuda said that in entering into this exclusive arrangement, PKNPk is acting within its mandate as the key state agency entrusted to spearhead economic development and socioeconomic growth for the Perak state, and the parties will proceed with an official joint venture later.

They said this scheme intends to facilitate the transfer of raw water from Sungai Perak to Bukit Merah and develop the requisite infrastructure for treated water distribution, ensuring long-term water sustainability for the region.

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Gamuda Engineering executive director Faris Mohd Yusof said that Gamuda is pleased to enter this arrangement to jointly deliver the state's mandate for a sustainable water infrastructure solution for Northern Perak, ensuring a long-term, reliable clean water source for the state.

"We bring extensive experience in water-related infrastructure to this partnership, having successfully delivered similar projects such as the Skim Bekalan Air Fasa 3 Sungai Selangor and the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), among others.

“Our expertise in constructing water treatment plants, associated reticulation, and water tunnels is a key value we are eager to contribute to this initiative,” he said.

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Faris said that Gamuda has consistently prioritised local talent and supply chain development, which is evident in its construction teams and in-house deployment of digital innovations.

“These include the award-winning Autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), BIM-Augmented Reality (BIMAR), and other digital construction technologies.

“Supporting the development of the local workforce and communities will remain our focus, especially in our home state of Perak,” he said.

PKNPk chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak said PKNPk is committed to addressing Perak's most pressing issue -- resolving the state’s critical water challenges and ensuring water security for its residents by 2029.

“With a steadily growing population and expanding economy, this water project is crucial for meeting the escalating domestic and industrial demand for clean water.

“Upon completion, it will also bolster the development of the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP) and enhance agricultural irrigation in the district,” he said.

Redza said that this initiative represents a vital stride towards sustainable development and perfectly aligns with the 12th Flagship of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 programme, specifically under Flagship 12: Water Resources and Renewable Energy.

“This alignment underscores our commitment to integrating renewable energy solutions and sustainable water resource management into our developmental plans.

“We are confident that our arrangement with Gamuda, a company with deep roots in Ipoh, will significantly enhance skills development and create numerous employment opportunities in Perak,” he said.

Redza added that by merging PKNPk’s project management expertise with Gamuda's advanced technical capabilities, they are poised to deliver enduring solutions that will benefit communities across Perak.

The statement said that PKNPk and Gamuda will jointly manage all components of this development by combining their distinct expertise.

“This includes overseeing the design, civil and structural engineering, utilities, risk mitigation, and the implementation of local workforce and technology training programmes.

“This initiative reflects the state government's proactive approach to project delivery, with a strong focus on bolstering local economic growth and ensuring project efficiency,” it said.

It added that by leveraging local expertise and specialised engineering capabilities, PKNPk and Gamuda are poised to deliver significant socio-economic benefits through this strategic collaboration.

-- BERNAMA