GEORGE TOWN – Penang will proceed with raising its water tariff following approval by the Environment and Water Ministry to increase rates for non-domestic and other special categories in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.
Penang Water Supply Corp (PBAPP) chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said that the increase will take effect from January 1 next year.
The special categories include houses of worship/welfare, government premises, institutions of higher learning, and the shipping industry.
In a statement, Pathmanathan explained that the Environment and Water Ministry had gazetted the adjustment of non-domestic water tariffs and special categories in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan on August 1 this year.
“This adjustment is implemented through the Tariff Setting Mechanism developed by the National Water Service Commission, which is a systematic, fair, and transparent tariff setting mechanism to ensure the national water service industry achieves long-term sustainability.
“The additional funds obtained will be reinvested for capital expenditure, especially for the PBAPP Raw Water Contingency Plan 2030 (RWCP 2030) projects,” he said.
The increase for Penang from January 1 will not involve domestic consumers, except for those using domestic bulk meters.
The domestic water tariff rate in Penang is still the lowest in Malaysia.
As the sole water supply operator for the state of Penang, the tariff adjustment is crucial to PBAPP by ensuring upgrading of the water supply infrastructure can be carried out to sustainably meet consumer demand.
Several projects have been planned under RWCP 2030 to improve facilities at the Sg Dua water treatment plant and to upgrade water distribution pipes.
Pathmanathan also urged consumers to use water wisely and to install water saving devices at their premises to reduce consumption and ensure sustainability.
To reduce water consumption, businesses and organisations are encouraged to actively participate in the Aqua Save Certification programme through the Penang Green Council website at www.pgc.com.my. – The Vibes, November 30, 2022
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