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THE Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) appears to have caved in to pressure and has offered rebates to provide relief to consumers over the 182 percent hike in water rates early this year.
In a statement, the state executive councillor, who oversees infrastructure, Zairil Khir Johari said that the first 10,000 litres of water used by every household in Penang from July to December will be free of charge.
It is part of efforts to lighten the impact of increased water tariffs that began earlier this year, Zairil, the Tanjung Bungah assemblyman, said.
He also declared that the existing RM20 monthly rebate for large households comprising eight people or more with a maximum monthly income of RM2,250 will be extended to households with an income of up to RM5,000.
In allowing the free water initiative, the state government now allows users in the first tariff band to see their tariff rates reduced from RM12.40 to RM6.20 for two months.
Those in the second band, billed at RM30, will only pay RM23.80 for the same period.
Under the current rates, the first 20 cubic meters is at 62 sen (up 182 per cent from 22 sen), from 20 cubic metres to 35 cubic metres the rate is at RM1. 17 (up 154 per cent from 46 sen) and for the third band of more than 35 cubic metres, the rate is RM2. 07 (up 204 per cent from 68 sen).
Zairil said the state government hoped the rebates would help ease the people’s financial strain.
He said the new tariffs in February, which was adjusted and approved by the National Water Services Commission, had led to significant increases after a period of consumption.
“We understand the challenges faced by Penangites with the new water tariff adjustments. These measures are designed to provide immediate relief and support to our residents during this transition period,” he said.
Former Penang chief Minister Lim Guan Eng in the past week, had raised the matter in the state legislative assembly sitting, imploring on PBAPP and his successor Chow Kon Yeow to allow rebates to take place for now until consumers can adjust their living costs to meet the surge in water rates.
He then took to social media and issued statements to underscore his commitment, citing that he was speaking on the behest of other assemblymen, who suffered immeasurable complaints from their constituents over the hike in rates.
Lim also urged PBAPP to seek financial aid from the Federal Government for its capital expenditure infrastructure as the water tariff hike is inadequate to underwrite the investment costs of building treatment plants or dams. – June 6, 2024.