Photo: Bernama
SEREMBAN: The increase in water tariffs in Negri Sembilan will not burden consumers as part of the cost is still subsidised, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The Mentri Besar said that consumers who use water prudently would not be significantly affected by the hike, which he described as marginal.
“The cost of treating raw water, as well as building treatment plants and related infrastructure such as pipes, has increased significantly.
“We have no choice but to raise the tariffs marginally to cover these costs and repay our debts,” he told reporters after launching the state-level “Fly the Jalur Gemilang” campaign in conjunction with Merdeka Day on Friday (Aug 1).
It was reported that water tariffs in all states in Peninsular Malaysia, except for Perak and Labuan, would be increased effective Friday.
These states had previously applied to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) for the tariff adjustment.
The purpose of the review is to ensure the sustainability of water supply services and to improve the overall quality of management.
Checks showed that domestic users in Negri Sembilan will now be charged 75sen per cubic metre for the first 20 cubic metres of water consumed, RM1.20 for the next 15 cubic metres, and RM1.87 for any usage beyond that.
The previous rates were 71 sen, RM1.09, and RM1.64, respectively.
The minimum monthly charge will also increase by 40sen, from RM7.10 previously.
Aminuddin explained that state governments cannot unilaterally increase tariffs, as any changes must be made in consultation with the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry and other relevant agencies.
He noted that tariff rates vary from state to state.
“The state cannot raise tariffs at will.
“Any approved increase is based on the actual cost and expenditure incurred by the state water concessionaire in providing quality treated water,” he said.
Aminuddin added that the state also has to service debts incurred from the construction of the Ngoi-Ngoi 2 water treatment plant and the installation of new water pipes, which are part of efforts to reduce non-revenue water.
“On top of these, we have to service old debts amounting to about RM700mil.
“I hope consumers will understand, as we cannot continue providing quality services at the old rates,” he said.
Citing another example, he said the state water concessionaire had to bear an additional RM700,000 in costs following the increase in electricity tariffs last month.
He also urged consumers to use water prudently if they wish to avoid higher bills.
