SEREMBAN: Amanah Youth has urged the Negri Sembilan government to utilise its reserves to help the state water concessionaire offset rising costs of treating drinking water rather than seeking an increase in tariffs.
Its state communications director, Zainal Lutfi Zainal Fitr, said the wing believes that increasing water tariffs now is not appropriate, as the people are already facing a higher cost of living, with the latest being an increase in electricity tariffs.
"The increase in electricity and water tariffs at the same time is going to be a double whammy to the people.
"If water tariffs are also increased, it will surely hit those in the B40 and M40 categories badly," he said.
Zainal Lutfi said it would be judicious for the state government to utilise its reserves, which amount to RM1.02bil, to assist Syarikat Air Negri Sembilan (Sains) with its operating expenses and to continue providing a quality water supply.
He also urged the state government to hold discussions with all stakeholders, including NGOs and elected representatives, before making any decision which may add to the burden of the people.
On Tuesday (July 15), Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said that the state government had submitted an application to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to review water rates for domestic users in the state.
He said a marginal increase was necessary to enable Sains to continue operating.
Aminuddin said a slight increase was also justified, as approximately RM20mil annually was used to replace old and broken pipes in the state.
He said Sains also had to spend money to repair and upgrade water tanks to ensure the supply in some areas is not disrupted.
Last week, SPAN said it had received applications from 10 states to review their water tariff rates.
