Penang’s 182% water tariff hike too steep for domestic consumers

The state government must charge a separate rate, taking into consideration that people who are prudent and use less water should be rewarded rather than burdened

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Domestic water consumers were shocked upon receiving their latest water bills. The rates have shot up sky-high for domestic users.

While it is unavoidable that the tariff must go up, is it justified that it should go up so steeply? If only the tariff had been raised gradually and intermittently over the years, consumers wouldn’t be hit so hard.

Factories, hawkers and car wash centres consume the most amount of water. In certain cases, water is also wasted when left running carelessly.

Is it fair for households with a single or two occupants to be charged such a high tariff when they don’t consume too much water?

Why are these poor, helpless people being burdened for the irresponsible conduct of those who are inconsiderate in their usage of water?

A hike of 182% cannot be justified under any circumstance!

The state government must charge a separate rate, taking into consideration that people who are prudent and use less water should be rewarded rather than burdened.

The views expressed in Aliran's media statements and the NGO statements we have endorsed reflect Aliran's official stand. Views and opinions expressed in other pieces published here do not necessarily reflect Aliran's official position.
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P Ramakrishnan
P Ramakrishnan has been an Aliran member since its inception in 1977, serving on our executive committee for 36 years, half of that period as Aliran's president (1993-2011). He continues to serve as an Aliran member, highlighting issues of public interest to a larger audience
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Ida
Ida
3 Jun 2024 10.49pm

My late mum house with 0 consumption was charge minimum charge of RM 5, but it increase to RM12.40. 0 consumption also u raise the price, it is really out of mind.

Chin
Chin
3 Jun 2024 7.47pm

Does the author know what is the actual cost of water production?? Hope for data to back the comments.

Vallence
Vallence
3 Jun 2024 7.46pm

In Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, water, food, shelter, and bare necessities for human survival are our human physiological needs. We must not be burden with all the price hikes. We have elected and yet Malaysia citizen had been burdened. Now, government only help the B40. How about M40 and T1 of T20? The income classification by household in Malaysia must be reviewed and amended.

Chan Jin Ai
Chan Jin Ai
3 Jun 2024 5.25pm

yes I fully agree that the present water rates are too high.There are very poor jobless people who smell very bad cos they cannot afford to pay the high rates. causing inflation too

bslifestyle
bslifestyle
3 Jun 2024 4.10pm

H2O, electricity, sewage should not be under privatisation as they are necessity and not luxury

Jason Wong
Jason Wong
3 Jun 2024 3.11pm

Looks like opposition ia gonna get the votes now as things are getting from bad to worse in Penang. State gov is slowly loosing the plot

Shanmugam
Shanmugam
3 Jun 2024 9.21pm
Reply to  Jason Wong

My water bill shot up from RM57.00 to RM136.00. Imagine a pensioner like myself having to cough up additional RM80.00 for water every 2 months. The Penang government is looking at the increase in cost bourne by PBAPP Holdings and eventually we consumers are the target to cover this increase. This RM80.00 is just for water consumption. What about the increase in other things. We are already paying higher assessment rates the last 2 or 3 years. The Penang Government is hoping for the people to help them when they talk about lessening the rakyat’s burden. Indeed dissapointing.