SHAH ALAM, July 12 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Barisan Nasional (BN) has no problem in continuing to give free water supply (to households for the first 20 cubic metres of use) if it wins back the state, but a different approach will be used in the interest of the people.

Selangor BN deputy chairman Datuk Seri Noh Omar said if the policy were to be implemented, it would be comprehensive including raising the amount of free water supply and ensuring that all would benefit.

"They (the opposition) have been giving free water, but not all the people receive the benefit. There are thousands of houses using the bulk meter which do not receive the benefit.

"We will continue with whatever policy that is good for the people, but we will settle the bulk meter issue first. We cannot create a policy that only benefits some eligible consumers."

He told this to reporters after attending a forum on the Selangor water supply issue organised by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, here, today.

Noh, who is also Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister, said the BN government's main concern now was ensuring that the water supply could meet the demand from consumers.

"But we must bear in mind that if we want to carry out the policy (of giving free water), we must first have the water. There is no use announcing such a policy if it cannot be implemented," he said.

Asked whether he was willing to debate on the water issue with Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, Noh said it would only be a waste of time and the debate would be cheap politics for the state government and of no benefit to the people.

He said the current situation had obviously indicated that water supply in the state was at a critical level.

"Therefore, the state government should first construct the Langat 2 water treatment plant before we can debate on managing water and new water tariffs," he added.