Penang water rates definitely going up, says chief minister
Penangites have been told to brace for a revision of water tariffs in the state with the current rates being among the lowest in the country.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today said the hike in water rates was "inevitable" although no decision has been made on the quantum yet as talks with the federal government were ongoing.
Penangites have been told to brace for a revision of water tariffs in the state with the current rates being among the lowest in the country.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today said the hike in water rates was "inevitable," although no decision has been made on the quantum yet as talks with the federal government were ongoing.
"It could be more than 20 percent across select bands or all bands. We have been discussing this for years," Chow told a press conference in George Town today.
"Once the rates are revised, the penalty for wastage, the Water Conservation Surcharge will be removed.
“Rates will definitely go up, but we do not know by how much, "Chow added.
Chow's remarks came after Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that water supply prices should be revised upwards to protect water quality and ensuring the industry’s services were maintained at a high level.
Penang's consumption of water remains the highest at 276 litres/capita/day (l/c/d) in 2017 compared to the national average of 209 l/c/d the same year, The UN's recommendation is 148 l/c/d.
Penang subsequently imposed the water conservation surcharge on those using more than 35,000 litres per month. Those with more than eight people in their household are, however, entitled to a 60 percent rebate of the surcharge.
The surcharge was imposed on 25 percent of Penang's 589,797 domestic users or 135,000 users.
Penang's water tariffs were reviewed only once in the past 10 years.
During that review, the average domestic water tariff for the first 35,000 litres of consumption per month was increased by 1sen per 1,000 litres, from 31sen to 32sen.
This rate is still the lowest in the country compared to the national average of 69 sen. Comparatively, Johor charges RM1.31 per 1,000 litres whereas the maximum water bill for 77 percent of households in Penang is only RM11.30 per month or RM22.60 per two-month billing cycle.
