25% discount on water bill to be extended from one to two months, says CM

(From left) Dr Norlela Ariffin (PKR – Penanti), Lydia Ong Kok Fooi (DAP – Berapit), Cheah Kah Peng (PKR – Kebun Bunga) and Teh sharing a light moment between sessions at the Penang State Assembly.

THE one-off payout for each household and business operator affected by the floods on Nov 4 and 5 has been increased from RM500 to RM700.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the additional amount, costing the state RM20mil, would come from public donations.

“We will top up if the donation amount does not reach RM20mil.

“The registration form will be available after Nov 20.

“The payment will be given out by year end,” he said on the sidelines of the state assembly meeting yesterday.

It was earlier reported that each household and business operator, totalling about 100,000, would receive a RM500 one-off payment. The payment is expected to cost the state government RM50mil.

The measure was part of the RM100mil Penang Bounce Back flood relief programme.

Besides the one-off payment, both the Penang Island City Council and Seberang Prai Municipal Council would give a 10% discount in assessment rates next year.

The discount will cost the local authorities RM40mil.

The Penang Water Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd has also agreed to give a 50% discount on water bills for domestic users and 25% to commercial users in view of the huge amount of water used in the cleanups.

The water conservation surcharge for domestic users will also be waived.

On the discount for one cycle of water bills (two months for domestic users and one month for commercial users) that will cost RM10mil, Lim said the commercial users would also enjoy a two-month discount now, costing the water authority an additional RM5mil.

Lim said the state’s accounts might close on a deficit due to the flood relief payouts to floods victims.

Meanwhile, state executive councillor Phee Boon Poh said those affected by the Sept 15 floods would only have to bring their MyKad to receive the one-off RM400 payment on Saturday and Sunday.

He said a total of 7,037 households and shop operators were eligible for the one-off payment amounting to RM2.8mil. The collection time is from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) Penang chairman Datuk Dr Ooi Eng Hock also presented RM350,000 in flood aid to the state government.