ALTHOUGH the water tariffs in Malaysia might be increased in stages this year, Penang will continue to enjoy the lowest water tariff in the country.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow gave his assurance that Penang water rates would remain the lowest even after the increase.
“The state’s water conservation surcharge (WCS) will likely be removed following the increase of the water tariff,” Chow told a press conference at his office today.
He advised the journalists to wait for the official announcement from the ministry pertaining to the water tariff hike.
Chow also appealed to the consumers to save water.
“We should all conserve water, with or without the WCS,” he said.
Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar was reportedly saying that the increase in natural resources was necessary to protect the consumers’ interest in getting good water quality and ensuring the industry’s services.
Dr Xavier said the increase would not burden the people and that the amount of increase had not been fixed because each state had different rates.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis