It is disgusting to know that the Selangor Water Authority (Luas) has issued a circular to factories and golf courses demanding that they apply for licences to collect rain water. In addition they also have to pay for the usage.

Is this a joke? In the first place who are they to seek rental for Mother Nature’s gift? This is daylight robbery. The government is encouraging rain collection in every building as a measure to save water and here Luas is taking that opportunity to increase their coffers with no effort.

What would happen if factories and golf courses refuse to apply for the licence and pay for the usage of rain water? Will Luas then direct all the rain into reservoirs or catchment areas or just let the rain flow into drains and flood the areas as long no one uses it for free.

Am I correct to say that while the government is appealing to the public to save water, Luas is taking advantage of that to make money?

Has Luas considered the spiral effect of this situation? What will happen if you start charging rental for something that does not belong to you? What will happen if Luas prevents people from storing rain water because they refuse to pay?

It looks like sooner or later, we need to pay rent even for the air that we breathe. Well at least whichever department intends to take up this as a business venture, they should guarantee that the air is non-polluted. But is it possible?

Nahanthiran. S
Rawang

Source: The Sun – January 31, 2008