This was revealed by chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who, however, did not provide any further details on the said study nor when would the report be ready.

The two state governments have had several rounds of talks but Perak insisted that it needed the water resources for its own people.

Previously, Perak had reportedly offered to sell treated water to Penang but this was rejected by the latter.

Chow said Perak menteri besar Saarani Mohamad’s willingness to still hold talks on the issue was a welcome move.

“Given the looming state elections, the state secretary will reach out to Perak on further meetings to discuss the matter,” he told reporters in Komtar.

Chow also announced a RM24.6 million short-term solution to resolve water supply issues in the Seberang Perai South (SPS) district.

He said the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will complete four projects, including a 10 million litres per day dissolved air flotation plant worth RM18.6 million to benefit 12,660 of its consumers in the district.

Chow said there was also a proposal by PBAPP to build a RM171 million water treatment plant in Sungai Kerian, to provide 114 million litres a day for the benefit of 55,000 consumers in SPS.

Separately, Chow dismissed claims that DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook would contest a state seat in Penang in order to become the next chief minister.