CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow reaffirmed that revenue from increased water tariffs will be used to upgrade the state’s water infrastructure.
The new rates, effective Feb 1, apply across Peninsular Malaysia.
“The increased revenue will not fully cover all expenditure and will need to be supplemented by bank loans and bonds,” Chow said during a press conference at Olive Tree Hotel today.
Chow attended the opening ceremony of ‘Penang Export Day 2024.’
Yesterday, Penang Umno chairman Datuk Musa Sheikh Fadzir expressed concerns that the increase in water tariffs would impact the people and requested a study to be conducted.
Chow also shared that every three years, the respective water management company submits their business plans to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) for approval.
The water tariffs typically undergo review every three years. However, domestic water tariffs in the state have remained unchanged since 1992.
In Penang, the new average rate for domestic water consumption up to 35 cubic metres per month is RM1.17 per cubic metre, with a minimum monthly charge of RM6.20.
On June 5, the Penang government announced that domestic consumers in Penang will not be charged for the first 10,000 litres of water each month for the next six months.
Large households with a combined monthly income below RM5,000 will also receive a RM20 rebate under the Family Friendly Rebate scheme.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis