Free water to be reviewed

SHAH ALAM: Selangor will review its free water scheme to benefit only those who really need such aid, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said,

He said 20 cubic metres of treated water will still be given free of charge to every household in the state this year.

“We have received many suggestions to provide free water only to the targeted group. This will be given serious consideration.

“As for now, we have decided to continue with the free water scheme until the water industry restructuring exercise is fully concluded in the state,” he said in reply to Saari Sungib (Amanah-Hulu Kelang) during the Selangor state legislative assembly sitting yesterday.

It was reported earlier that the acquisition of concessionaire Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor (Splash) was still ongoing with an independent valuer appointed to provide an estimate of the quantum to be paid to Splash.

Azmin said the state had not received any complaints on the abuse of the free water scheme since it was implemented six years ago.

He said the state spent RM1.1bil on the free water scheme between June 1 2008 and Dec 31 last year.

“We realise that the cost to provide free water is high.

However, it is done to lessen the burden on the people and we will ensure a caring agenda like this continues,” he said, but appealed to consumers not to waste water.

In a bid to encourage water conservation, he said the state government started the Jom Jimat Air campaign last month.