ALOR GAJAH: The Melaka state government will announce its new water tariff tomorrow with the interests of consumers and stakeholders prioritised, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.
The Chief Minister said the water tariff adjustment would not burden the consumers too much and would help sustainability in supply to all parties.
He said this to reporters after launching Audemars Microtec (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in the Angkasa Nuri Industrial area in Durian Tunggal here yesterday, Bernama reported.
Also present were Audemars Microtec chief executive officer Dr Mirko Audemars, state science, technology, innovation and communications committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan and Malaysian Investment Development Authority deputy chief executive officer S. Sivasuriyamoorthy.
Ab Rauf said most of the states were currently facing the loss of about 40% of treated water due to leaking underground pipes.
He said the last time Melaka adjusted its water tariff was over 18 years ago.
“But it’s the same principle, Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Kedah and Perlis... our water pipes are decades old and require maintenance or replacement now.
“If not, only 60% of the water supply will reach consumers; the remaining 40% will be lost underground. If we lose 40% of water, our investment will also go down 40%,” he said.
Ab Rauf said as such, the state government and the people must collaborate to ensure water can be supplied to a minimum level of 90% to benefit all parties.
On Jan 17, the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) announced water tariff adjustment for all domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan starting Feb 1.
The water tariff adjustment will see an average increase of 22 sen per cubic metre.
