Move to water down island's vulnerability

THE government yesterday announced a string of initiatives to make the republic less dependent on Malaysia for water.

The move follows threats over the years that Malaysia would cut off Singapore's water supply during times of tension.

Singapore said it would raise and re-structure water tariffs during the next three years so Singaporeans treat water as a precious and strategic resource, and make water conservation a way of life.

It said an agreement had been struck with Indonesia to jointly develop water resources in Riau province, including Bintan and Sungei Kampar in Sumatra.

The government also announced initiatives to start developing desalination plants.

Singapore currently depends on Malaysia for virtually all of its water supplies.

As part of the Separation Agreement when Singapore split from the Malayan Federation more than 30 years ago and became independent, Malaysia guaranteed Singapore's water.

But some Malaysian politicians in the past have suggested ending water agreements with their neighbour.

The issue has again been raised during the recent diplomatic rift between the two countries following Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew's comments that nearby Johore was full of "criminals and car-jackers".

A Singapore government spokesman yesterday said: "To prepare for all eventualities, we need to start building desalination plants."