Raise water tariff, Pahang told

THE Pahang government has been advised to increase its water tariff to ensure better water service for the state.

Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said it was necessary for the state to restructure its water service under the Water Service Industry Act 2006 to improve quality and sustainability.

This is following a water crisis affecting several districts in the state recently.

“Pahang has not increased its water tariff for 33 years and the state government believes that it should stay that way to not to burden the citizens,” Dr Ongkili told reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday.

He said the state government could not afford to bear the cost of maintaining water quality and services to its people.

Dr Ongkili pointed out that another round of discussion with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob would be arranged soon to iron out the matter.

The Tengku Mahkota of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has decreed that the state government pays serious attention to the issue.

Tengku Abdullah also urged Pengurusan Air Pahang Bhd to find the best solution to overcome the current problem.