Johor PKR accused the state government of neglecting the rakyat’s welfare in the proposed water tariff hike.

In a joint statement, Bukit Baru assemblyperson Jimmy Puah and PKR Johor Bahru division chief Akmal Nasir pointed out how Johor’s water tariff was the highest compared to other states at RM1.05 for every 1,000 litre.

“Does the state government prioritise the interests of Syarikat Air Johor (SAJ) without taking into account the fate of Johoreans who are also facing the rising cost of living?” they asked.

The two asked Johor public works, rural and regional development committee chairperson Hasni Mohammad to address some key issues before even talking about an increase.

They also questioned whether the rebate policy of 20 to 35 cubic metres for the poor under Menteri Besar Khaled Nordin ( left ) was actually used to help lessen the burden faced by Johoreans.

“According to the answer received at a state assembly sitting last year, only 791 families receive the benefits of this scheme when in fact, there are approximately 1.5 million users registered with SAJ.”

Hasni had announced on Tuesday that the state would soon disclose the new rate.

Water tariffs in Johor are expected to go up between 10 and 12 percent in the next few months.

The authorities said costs have doubled due to an increase in pollutant levels and the hike in electricity tariffs earlier this year.