KUALA LUMPUR – Domestic water tariffs will see an average 22 sen hike per cubic metre starting February 1 for consumers in Peninsular Malaysia and the federal territory of Labuan.
The National Water Services Commission said in a statement that the tariff increase still does not cover the actual cost – RM1.75 per cubic metre – of water supply services based on 2022 records.
Operators are advised to continue targeted rebate initiatives to minimise the impact of the water bills on the B40 group.
Under the tariff setting mechanism, tariffs will be standardised across all peninsula states and Labuan, which will be reviewed every three years.
The increase in tariffs is based on the needs and requests of the state governments, but Putrajaya, via SPAN, will monitor closely to ensure that service improvements are carried out in line with the hikes.
“The tariff adjustments can no longer be put off, so the water services industry will remain sustainable in the long term as well as maintain its quality of service.
“The adjustments also reflect the cost of water supply, which is important for operators to improve their level of service in supplying water continuously.”
The commission added that operators will be ready to continuously invest to build infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, replace old pipes, schedule maintenance, and address public complaints.
Consumers are advised to check for leaky pipes at their premises to minimise billed usage as well as to install rainwater harvesters as non-drinking water sources. – January 17, 2024