Penang Won't Delay Water Tariff Hike Further, Chief Minister Says

The Penang state government will not consider further delays to its planned water tariff increase, despite calls for postponement. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow emphasized that the hike, which was already delayed by approximately one year, is crucial for the financial stability of the state's water operator.

"Penang could have enforced the new tariff on August 1 last year, but we chose to postpone it until July 1 (this year). So, if we consider this period, it has been almost a year since we postponed it. Will we postpone it again?" Chow asked reporters during his tour in Bagan Dalam.

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Penang could have enforced the new tariff on August 1 last year, but we chose to postpone it until July 1 (this year). So, if we consider this period, it has been almost a year since we postponed it. Will we postpone it again?

The Chief Minister's remarks came after Bagan Member of Parliament Lim Guan Eng urged the state government to delay the implementation of the 20-cent per cubic meter increase for another year. Lim cited public anxiety over the rising water charges, which he said would increase from the current average rate to 62 cents per cubic meter.

However, Chow explained that the new tariff is essential for the state's water operator to finance significant investments, estimated at RM2 billion, aimed at bolstering water supply security. He also mentioned ongoing water supply agreements with Perak, involving billions of ringgit. "Therefore, although the additional revenue from the water tariff increase may only be around RM20 million, this amount is very important for the company to finance related work," Chow stated.

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Therefore, although the additional revenue from the water tariff increase may only be around RM20 million, this amount is very important for the company to finance related work