KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 -- Replacing the underwater pipeline that supplies treated water to Langkawi could cost billions of ringgit, making a full overhaul financially unviable for now.

Utusan Malaysia reported that Kedah Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environment Committee chairman Mohamad Yusuf@Munir Zakaria said only repair works are being carried out at this stage due to the high cost involved.

"The 36km pipeline, which runs from the mainland to Langkawi and is nearly 30 years old, would cost billions to replace entirely.

"For now, we are allocating RM50 million - RM10 million for consultancy and RM40 million for repair works," he was quoted as saying during the Kedah State Legislative Assembly today.

Mohamad Yus...