New rates soon: While tariffs for emptying septic tanks are set to increase between RM5 and RM8 from Oct 1, the ministry said that tariffs for connected sewerage services will see a hike of RM2 a month from Jan 1 next year.
PETALING JAYA: Beginning Oct 1, tariffs for emptying septic tanks will be raised by Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd by between RM5 and RM8 a month, according to the Environment and Water Ministry.
The ministry also said tariffs for connected sewerage services will see a hike of RM2 a month starting Jan 1 next year.
“To ease the burden on the public, targeted subsidies will be provided through rebates to those who are registered under the E-Kasih programme,” said the ministry in a statement yesterday.
According to the ministry, the matter was decided at a Cabinet meeting in April.
The ministry said the average monthly cost for providing connected sewerage services is RM17 compared to the current tariff rate, which is between RM2 and RM8.
The actual cost of septic tank emptying services, according to the ministry, is RM22 per month compared to the current tariff rate of between RM2 and RM6 per month.
“The (new) tariff rate is lower compared to other utility services, such as electricity, telecommunications, and Internet broadband,” added the ministry.
The ministry said since sewerage services were taken over by IWK 28 years ago in 1994, the sewerage tariff has never been reviewed.
This has affected IWK’s cash flow as its income is not able to cover its operating costs, which have been increasing each year.
“It affected the country’s sewerage sector’s sustainability as a whole. The adjustment of sewerage service tariff rates is important to ensure a sustainable sewerage service industry.
It said the hike was necessary for IWK to provide effective and efficient services.
The ministry added that with an improved financial position, IWK will be able to finance maintenance and repair work.
The ministry said it was confident that with IWK’s experience and expertise, it would be able to ensure a more systematic management of the operation and maintenance of sewerage assets and the compliance of treated effluent according to current standards.
“It will reduce sewerage pollution on water resources and it will also improve environmental sustainability,” the ministry added.
IWK is a national sewerage company that provides connected sewerage services and empties individual septic tanks. It also ensures that public sewerage treatment plants and national sewerage assets operate well and are well-maintained to reduce pollution risks in the environment.
