SHAH ALAM: The money saved from restructuring the charges for producing, cleaning and supplying water will be used to offset the cost of providing the first 20 cubic metres of water free monthly to domestic consumers in Selangor.

Menteri Besar Tan Sri Addul Khalid Ibrahim said the quantum of compensation to be paid to Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) would be determined after the restructuring exercise.

"Charges for producing, cleaning and supplying the water will be unified and this will allow consumers to enjoy the benefit of free water from June 1."

Abdul Khalid said the state would disclose and explain the mechanism of the restructuring after the scheme was completed. Currently, consumers have to pay 58 sen per cubic metre for the first 20 cubic metres of water, RM1.03 per cubic metre for the use of between 20 cubic metres and 35 cubic metres, and RM2 per cubic metre if the amount exceeds 35 cubic metres.

From June 1, consumers will be charged RM1.03 or RM2 per cubic metre, depending on the amount used that exceeds their free water allocation. The old pricing mechanism would be maintained to prevent consumers wasting water, he said after the opening of the 12th Selangor legislative assembly yesterday.
He said the state government would also introduce the concept of a five-day work week but with seven-day service for consumers.