The projects will be transferred to a joint venture company being formed in Singapore, Sino Water Pte. Ltd., which will then invest up to RM250 million to build and operate the projects, Puncak said in a statement.

Puncak will hold 80 per cent interest in Sino Water, with the rest held by Singapore water services firm, Environmental Holdings, it said.

'Puncak intends to leverage on its expertise and experience in Malaysia to tap the vast opportunities and growth potential offered by the China market,' Puncak said.

The China projects, located in the provinces of Hebei, Henan, Shandong, Guangdong and Hainan, have concessions of up to 30 years each and will have a combined capacity of up to 750 million litters a day when completed within 5 years, it said.

The projects are expected to generate revenue of up to RM100 million a year, it said.

Sino Water, which will be Puncak's vehicle to expand in China, will be seeking other water projects to add to its portfolio, it added. -- AP