KUALA LUMPUR: Any changes in water tariffs will only be implemented by the start of next year, says Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
He said this was because there was a need to carefully assess and study the issue.
“We do not want to unintentionally hurt those we should be protecting through any rushed changes,” he said after Malakoff Corp Bhd’s rebranding launch yesterday. The new tariffs, he said, would still be subject to the Tariff Setting Mechanism that would be developed by the National Water Services Commission.
“Similar to electricity tariffs, this will not come soon as it will take some time for us to study this adequately before making any changes,” he added.
On May 22, Nik Nazmi said there was a need to relook the low water tariffs, with those who could afford it made to pay more, adding that a review was also needed to change water consumption habits.
Earlier in his speech yesterday, he said private energy companies and other relevant stakeholders must play their role in Malaysia’s transition towards a greener, more sustainable future.
He said this was because the government’s role was mainly only to enable the transition while companies would be the true pioneers of the new future.
“The inventiveness of corporate partners is crucial in disrupting the current status quo as the government’s main responsibility is to steer the transition towards carbon neutrality.
“Companies that successfully transition will offer others a blueprint on how they can lean into more sustainable solutions while remaining profitable,” he added.
