Putrajaya expected to increase water tariffs next year

The government is expected to implement new water tariffs nationwide next year upon the approval of the cabinet, said Deputy Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji (above).

The government has proposed an increment rate between 0.06 sen to 0.71 sen for every 1,000 litres under a new tariff setting mechanism, he told the Dewan Rakyat during the question-and-answer session today.

The water hike will not burden the consumers, particular the bottom 40 (B40) group, and at the same time, will ensure the sustainability of the financial status of the water operators.

"In determining the new water rate under the new mechanism, the government has taken into consideration the access to water supply of the low income group.

"This (The proposed increment) is far lower than other utility bills, including electricity, gas and telecommunication bills," he said.

"The government will ensure a minimum increment for those who use below 20 cubic metres of water, as they comprise 47.8 percent of water users (household)," he said.

Citing Pahang as an example, he noted the household, which pays RM12.19 for using 25 cubic metres of water now, will only fork out RM20.50 under the new rate, which is less than a 50 percent increase.

"Using the old mechanism, the first 18 cubic metres of water was multiplied by 0.37 sen, and then the remaining seven cubic metres of water were calculated by multiplying it with 0.75 sen. You got RM12.19," he said.

“The new calculation is based on the first 20 cubic metres of water multiplied by 0.70 sen. The remaining five cubic metres of water are multiplied with RM1.30 sen. You get RM20.50," he said.

"Meaning, there is not a huge difference, (the increment is) not too high," he concluded.

"Many think there will be an excessive hike in the water bill. That's not true," he said.

He said Putrajaya has completed its negotiation with all the water operators, and had briefed the state governments about the matter. - Mkini