MELAKA: Domestic users will see a minimum increase of an average 16 sen per cubic metre in the state’s water tariff from Feb 1.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abd Rauf said the 13.9% increase is in tandem with the water tariff hike approved by the National Water Service Commission (SPAN) but it's still among the lowest compared to other states.
"This increase is witnessed after 13 years when the last hike was done in 2011 and the adjustment is expected to impact approximately 297,000 users in the domestic category," he said on Wednesday (Jan 24).
Ab Rauf said the new increase would see domestic consumers paying 27 sen per cubic metre and the impact would be minimal for households who were more prudent in their water consumption by using less than 20 cubic metres of water.
He anticipated the new water tariff would result in an escalated billing range at an estimated RM13.95 per month to those consuming between 21 to 35 cubic metres.
Ab Rauf said the increase would be an opportunity for the state water concessionaire to improve their services through various water supply projects and improving infrastructures.
He said Melaka, like most of the other states, was currently facing the loss of about 40% of treated water due to the problem of leaking underground pipes.
"Our water pipes are four decades old and require maintenance or replacement," he added.
On January 17, SPAN announced water tariff adjustments for all domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan starting Feb 1.
The water tariff adjustment would see an average increase of 22 sen per cubic metre.
