THE traffic congestion issues and bottlenecks in Seberang Perai must be addressed immediately without delay, the Bukit Tambun representative emphasised.
During the State Legislative Assembly session, while debating the motion of thanks to the address by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) stated that several areas, particularly the North-South Expressway from Sungai Dua to the Penang Bridge during morning peak hours and from Bukit Tambun to Sungai Dua during evening peak hours, as well as the Federal Road from Bukit Tengah to Nibong Tebal, Jalan Batu Kawan, Jalan Bukit Tambun, and Jalan Perusahaan Valdor, have reached a critical state.
“Prime Minister, Economy Minister, Works Minister, Penang Chief Minister, and Tanjong Bunga assemblyman, please address these issues. We cannot wait for the completion of the Silicon Island, some eight years from now, to address these traffic matters,” he appealed in his debate today.
He also expressed his appreciation to the Prime Minister for the commitment to allocate funds for the Perak-Penang Water Project, which will enable the supply of treated water from Sungai Perak to Penang to address the water supply issues in Penang by 2030.
“However, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) needs to act more proactively to expedite the implementation of two projects involving water treatment plants (WTP) in Sungai Kerian to address the water supply issues in south Seberang Perai (SPS), benefiting over 55,000 users in Seberang Perai,” Goh said.
He urged PBAPP to review the water charges imposed on domestic water users in the state.
“The increase in water bills has sparked anger among Penangites. Residents of south Seberang Perai, particularly in the Sungai Bakap constituency, and those in the southwest district, especially in the Bayan Lepas constituency, are facing water supply disruptions and low water pressure in many areas.
“Although the PBAPP has repeatedly explained the reasons for the water tariff hike, I still believe that the increase in water bills, reaching up to 181% for the first tier, 154% for the second tier, and 204% for the third tier, is excessive.
“This has caused widespread anger among Penang water consumers, leading to verbal abuse directed at their representatives and the state government.
“I humbly request the PBAPP to reduce the rate for the first tier from 62sen to 33sen, and to lower the rate for the next tier from RM1.17 to 92sen.
“I recommend these rates because the first 70m³ of water usage represents the basic consumption for every household. Any family that uses more than 70m³ should bear the maximum rate of RM1.70 per m³.
“We must address the needs of the people while also holding those who waste water accountable,” he said.
He also urged the water corporation to consider issuing bills on a monthly basis.
“I understand that PBAPP has been issuing some of its water bills bi-monthly since its corporatisation in March 1999 for cost-efficiency reasons.
“If cost efficiency is a concern, it is time for PBAPP to implement e-billing in line with the Penang government’s ‘paperless’ practice,” Goh proposed.
Goh also called on the assembly members of the August House to heed the address of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak on providing insights and recommendations to increase the state’s revenue and subsequently enhance the state’s fiscal performance.
“I understand that the Penang government has and will continue to implement discipline in spending. However, it may not be sufficient to accommodate the annual salary increases, rising supply costs, and the need to replace non-economic assets.
“Therefore, the accumulated balance in the State Consolidated Revenue Account (Akaun Hasil Disatukan Negeri) will certainly not be able to cover continuous expenditure deficits unless there is a sudden increase in revenue in the coming years.
“Hence, I propose that the Penang government intensify efforts to double the state’s revenue sources,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar