THE new domestic water supply service rates for domestic users are essential to generate the additional revenue required to finance numerous water infrastructure projects across the state, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow, who is also the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) chairman, highlighted that the earlier domestic water rates in Penang have remained unchanged since 1993, marking a period of 31 years without revision.
“The adjustment in water rates is justified to secure the necessary additional funds for financing a range of critical water infrastructure projects in the state.
“This step is imperative to bolster the resilience of the state’s water supply, which faces escalating challenges from the impacts of climate change.
“Notably, even with the increase, Penang’s domestic water rate remains the second lowest in Malaysia. Comparatively, consumers in all other Peninsular states, except Terengganu, bear higher costs for their domestic water supply,” he told journalists when asked about the matter today.
Chow further noted that the revised domestic water rates for Penang came into effect on Feb 1 of this year.
He emphasised that this announcement was made publicly in January, following the adjustment of water supply service rates for the domestic category by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) for Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
In response to inquiries about Penang’s bi-monthly water billing system, Chow explained that PBAPP has been implementing this approach since its corporatisation on March 1, 1999, over 25 years ago.
“The primary rationale behind PBAPP’s continued use of the bi-monthly water billing system is its cost-efficiency, encompassing manpower, transportation, and other technical considerations.
“However, it’s essential to note that PBAPP’s bi-monthly water bills adhere precisely to Federal regulations, which dictate billing based on a ‘m3 per month’ basis.
“Consequently, the water rates charged remain consistent across both monthly and bi-monthly billing cycles in Penang.
“Hence, the assertion that Penang water consumers incur higher costs for water supply services due to PBAPP’s issuance of bi-monthly water bills is unfounded,” he said.
In addressing public concerns regarding the new domestic water rates in Penang, Chow acknowledged that PBAPP has received approximately 300 complaints and inquiries across multiple platforms, including social media and the call centre.
“PBAPP is committed to thoroughly informing consumers about the calculation and other aspects of the new domestic water rates in Penang,” said Chow.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud