According to The Star, those in Penang will soon have to pay more for their water. The increase is to curb the rising demand due to the prolonged dry season Malaysia is experiencing now.
According to Penang’s Chief Minister, Lim Guen Eng, it is necessary to raise the price because educating people to reduce their water consumption is not working. He also said that the last time the water tariff was revised was 23 years ago.
“The hike in the tariff is inevitable, but I cannot disclose when the hike will take place as studies, which will take not more than a year, need to be done.”
Despite the imminent hike in water tariff, the minister assured that Penang’s water tariff would still remain as one of the cheapest in Malaysia.
Water consumption in Penang was currently one of the highest in the country at 295 litres per person per day. This is based on last year’s index. For the first two months of this year, the figure increased to 311.
“The United Nations’ recommendation for domestic water consumption is 100 litres per person per day. In Singapore, the figure is 151.”
Penang’s CM also assured Penangites that water rationing will not be implemented in Penang this month due to the Penang Water Supply Corporation’s (PBAPP) efficient supply management.
“If April proves to be another dry month, the state and PBAPP will implement a contingency action plan to avoid water rationing.”
Story and quotes from: The Star
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