Sabah, Johor say 'no' to water hike, Penang says 'yes'

Water tariffs in both Sabah and Johor are unlikely to increase as they are already high, according to the states' ministers in charge of the utility.

"Our stand is that we had a water rate hike in 2015 and our tariffs were not too low when compared with other states," said Johor's International Trade, Investment and Utilities Committee chairperson Jimmy Puah.

"So there is no need for any increment at this stage," he said in a statement today.

Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar had said water tariffs nationwide may be increased in stages this year in line with the government's efforts to restructure the water supply industry in the country.

He said the increase in the natural resource was necessary to protect the consumers' interest in obtaining quality water while ensuring the industry's benchmarks.

He said the increase would not burden the people.

Commenting further, Pua said an increase in Johor water rates may defeat the ministry's purpose to standardise water tariffs.

Similarly, Sabah's Health and People's Well-being Minister Stephen Wong said the state government was unlikely to increase water tariffs.

"We never discussed this as we felt that our water rates are quite expensive. Sabah has the second highest (water prices) after Johor," he said when contacted.

 "In fact, we have been looking for ways to reduce the water price for small and medium industries and even for households. This, however, depends on our annual budget," he said.

Meanwhile, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow confirmed that water tariffs in the state will be increased.

He said the hike was “inevitable” but pointed out that Penang rates would remain "the lowest in the country" even after the revision.

Meanwhile, Perak menteri besar Ahmad Faizal Azumu said the state government had not yet decided on the matter.

He, however, gave an assurance that any potential increment in water rates would not burden the people.  - Mkini