SHAH ALAM - Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has revealed that Singapore generates an annual income of RM3,312,375,000 from treated water sales, while Malaysia receives only RM7,500 for the raw water sold to the island nation.
The former lawmaker described that the disparity arises because Singapore pays Malaysia RM7,500 for treated water, whereas Singapore’s revenue from selling treated water back to Malaysia amounts to RM15,000.
He further clarified that Singapore makes a profit of RM7,500 from selling treated water to Malaysia.
"Congratulations to Malaysia for contributing to Singapore's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Malaysia sells 250,000,000 gallons of raw water daily to Singapore at a rate of 3 sen per 1,000 gallons. This results in a total payment of RM7,500 per day for Malaysia," Dr Mahathir said on Wednesday.
In contrast, Johor purchases treated water at a rate of 50 sen per 1,000 gallons, which accounts for 12 per cent of the 250,000,000 gallons, or 30,000,000 gallons.
Dr Mahathir added that Malaysia pays Singapore RM15,000 daily for treated water.
"Singapore, on the other hand, sells 1,000 liters of treated water at a price of 3 Singapore dollars. This amounts to 11.36 Singapore dollars per 1,000 gallons, which is equivalent to RM36.30.
"Therefore, Singapore's income from selling 250,000,000 gallons of treated water amounts to RM9,075,000 per day," he said.