He was responding to the outcry from the opposition on the government's proposal to build a dam for the water catchment and for the upgrading of water treatment plant at Sungai Kelalong, Mile 14 Bintulu-Miri Road here.

Tiong said with the fast development and growth here, Bintulu is expected to have a very big population. Therefore, he said being a responsible and far-sighted Sarawak Government, it is right and appropriate for the government to plan and to source water supply to cater for the need of the population, 
industries and businesses.

"If the government do not plan it now, there will be inadequate water supply in the future and I am sure that the opposition will sensationalise and blame the State Government again", he said.

He was disappointed with the attitude of the opposition to pick this issue by sending the wrong impression or propaganda to the long houses which have been earmarked for the said project.

"It is to my understanding that the opposition has created a scare and rumour among the long house folks that their farm land and houses will be taken away for building the dam", he said.

On what justification can the opposition come up with such a nonsensical idea, Tiong asked.

He said at the moment, the authority is just carrying out the preliminary study to gauge the viability of the project.

Tiong further clarified that to his understanding, the proposed dam area is on government land and there are no residents there.

He added that if the accusations from the opposition is true, we can always discuss and resolve the problems by all parties concerned, compromising to an amicable and justifiable compensation if the need arises.