MWA supports SPAN decision on water tariff hike

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Water Association (MWA) has expressed support for the National Water Services Commission's (SPAN) recent decision to revise water tariffs for domestic customers in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan from Feb 1.

"This revision is in line with the established tariff setting mechanism which requires periodic adjustments to ensure the long-term viability of the water industry," said MWA president Mohmad Asari Daud in a statement on Wednesday (Jan 17).

Mohmad Asari highlighted the importance of regular tariff reviews, citing the escalating costs of water treatment and distribution.

"These increasing costs are corroborated by data from the Malaysian Statistics Department, whereby some service providers such as Pengurusan Air Pahang have not revised their domestic water tariffs for 40 years.

"MWA believes the revision of domestic water tariffs will motivate water service providers to improve their customer service," he said.

Mohmad Asari added that the association anticipated enhancements in the water supply system and relief to the water ecosystem which had been facing significant challenges for some time.