KUALA TERENGGANU: The new water tariff for domestic and non-domestic active water user accounts in Terengganu has been adjusted to eight sen to 18 sen per cubic metre (m³) according to usage rate, effective Feb 1.
Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Abdul Karim Endut said the new tariff adjustments included eight sen electricity charges, previously absorbed into the water company's operating costs.
He said domestic users for meter readings of 0 to 20 cubic metres will see an increase from 42 sen to 58 sen, while for readings above 20m³ to 35m³, the new rate is 83 sen compared to previously 65 sen.
"For consumption of over 35m³, the new rate is RM1.08 per m³ compared to RM1 previously.
"Aside from that, the minimum rate charged for domestic users will also change from RM4 to RM5.80 from Feb 1," he said at a press conference on the adjustment of Peninsular Malaysia's water tariffs for the state of Terengganu at the Syarikat Air Terengganu office on Monday (Jan 22).
Commenting further, Abdul Karim said for the bulk domestic category, the minimum bulk charge will change to RM10.80 per month and the new charge will change by eight sen to RM1.08 sen for the use of each cubic metre.
In addition, he said that commercial enterprises and non-domestic buildings will involve a new rate shift to RM1.08 for water consumption up to 35 cubic metres.
"In addition, Terengganu is the only state that does not charge water usage at mosques and suraus registered with the Terengganu Religious Affairs Department," he said.
Abdul Karim said the adjustment of water tariff rates and the new electricity charges are expected to give the water company an additional income of RM9.6mil a year.
"Syarikat Air Terengganu plans to use the extra income to implement water supply infrastructure development projects such as upgrading of water treatment plants, which involves a cost of RM11mil, replacement of critical leaky pipes worth RM10miln and a non-revenue water programme of RM16.6 mil," he said.
According to him, the water company currently provides treated water supply services to more than 1.2 million residents under 342,364 active water user accounts, including domestic and non-domestic water usage that includes small and medium-sized enterprises up to industrial users. – Bernama
