THE proposed review of water service tariffs by operators in ten Malaysian states is a necessary move to ensure the long-term sustainability of water supply and to improve service quality, according to several state leaders.
In Pahang, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the state government would engage in discussions with the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to address regulatory matters.
“We are still at an early stage. We will conduct negotiations with SPAN from time to time,” he told reporters following the launch of the Pahang 1st Aspirations initiative in Kuantan. He also assured the public that any tariff adjustments would not impose undue burden on consumers.
In Kedah, State Committee Chairman for Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environment, Datuk Mohamad Yusoff Zakaria, emphasised the need for solid financial resources to enable service improvements.
“Tariff adjustments are necessary given rising electricity and production costs, such as chemicals. However, the applications by 10 operators are still under evaluation and have not been finalised by SPAN,” he told Bernama.
Similarly, in Kelantan, State Executive Councillor for Public Works, Infrastructure, Water and Rural Development, Datuk Dr Izani Husin, supported the tariff review as a means of enhancing water services for public benefit.
He said the move would help stabilise the financial standing of Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd (AKSB), allowing for service upgrades.
“Ten states have jointly submitted the proposal to SPAN, but implementation is subject to approval by the relevant executive councils,” he noted.
In Johor, Ranhill SAJ, the state’s water service operator, is carefully planning a tariff adjustment aimed at improving infrastructure without placing excessive pressure on consumers.
Chief Executive Officer Anuar Abdul Ghani said funds from any adjustment would be channelled into upgrading old pipelines, reducing water loss, enhancing treatment plants, and strengthening overall supply infrastructure.
“We seek continued support and trust from all stakeholders, especially users. Every adjustment is an investment to ensure that both current and future generations have access to quality water supply,” he said.
On Wednesday, SPAN confirmed it had received formal applications for tariff revisions from operators in Pulau Pinang, Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, and Pahang.
All applications are currently under review to ensure a balanced consideration of operational needs and public welfare. The process prioritises the wellbeing of 27.2 million consumers and the operators’ ability to provide consistent, high-quality service. - July 11, 2025
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