GEORGE TOWN: Penang has yet to receive any official request on water rebate from consumers affected by the recent water supply disruption.
As such, there will not be any changes to the water bill for now.
"We have not received any official request yet for water rebate. We will wait and see," Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told newsmen when asked if there would be any rebate for those affected by the recent water supply disruption.
He was met after a scholarship presentation ceremony here today.
Ancom Crop Care Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of public-listed Ancom Nylex Bhd, today awarded 14 Penang-born students scholarships to help finance their university education.
Prior to this, state Gerakan chairman Oh Tong Keong said water consumers affected by the water supply disruption in the state should be given 50 per cent rebate in their water bills.
He had said the Penang government and the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) should be held responsible for this water supply disruption.
He said a 50 per cent rebate for the December 2023 and January 2024 bills should be given to those affected as compensation and subsidy, who needed to spend more to stock up on containers during the crisis.
Last month, some 200,000 water consumers in the southwest district and in Seberang Prai were affected following a burst pipe in Sungai Prai.
From Jan 10 to Jan 14, some 590,000 water consumers statewide were affected by a scheduled water supply disruption due to urgent pipe repair works at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
The pipe repair works involved the replacement of two 1,200mm main control valve units in the main treated water pipeline in the WTP that were leaking and 22 other works.
Elaborating, Chow expressed hope that after this experience, the people of Penang could appreciate water even better.
"Water is a precious asset, and without water, nothing can move.
"We tried to inculcate awareness on the importance of water but our campaign doesn't seem to work due to our law tariff. And people are willing to pay more," he added.
Meanwhile, asked on the National Water Services Commission's (Span) call for Penang to tap into treating wastewater to ensure a more sustainable water supply and curb shortages, Chow said the state had signed an agreement with IWK to explore the use of treated wastewater by factories.
"Discussions have started. What is important is that there are buyers, factories should be willing to buy the treated wastewater for their operations," he added.
Span chairman Charles Santiago had said that reclaimed water would particularly benefit industries, with the Bayan Baru and Jelutong sewage treatment plants located near factories.
He said Sungai Muda, from where 80 per cent of Penang's water was drawn, was quickly depleting, with its water level having declined sharply.