KUALA LUMPUR: The increase in water tariffs by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is deemed an investment for the future, providing readiness for industries to confront any unforeseen incidents.
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago wants the public to understand how the actions taken by the commission benefit the nation.
He said the increase in water tariffs will contribute to improving the relevant systems, as many pipes in several states are outdated and need replacement.
"In this case, the pipes in Pahang are already 40 years old, Terengganu (30 years), Selangor, and Penang, they are also the same. Therefore, we want Malaysians to understand and consider this increase in water tariffs as an investment for the future.
"This is so that we can provide all the necessities for this industry if there are any changes. It is to make preparations when facing a crisis. We need to be prepared. When a crisis occurs, we will be ready," he told Berita Harian today.
Yesterday, SPAN announced the new water tariffs for domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan will involve an average increase of 22 sen per cubic metre, effective from Feb 1.
This adjustment is expected to impact approximately 6.9 million users in the domestic category, representing 86.6 per cent of the 7.9 million account holders.
The 22 sen increase constitutes the average amount of increase for every 1,000 litres of water used.
The new water tariff is anticipated to result in an escalated billing range of RM1.60 to RM8 for each residence, or an increase of five to 27 sen per day for households using 20 cubic metres of water per month.
Meanwhile, Charles, who is also the former Klang member of parliament, said SPAN previously held meetings with water operators in each state to monitor all projects aimed at improving water quality in the country.
"We have informed these water operator companies to list in writing every project that has been or will be implemented by them. In fact, these water operator companies also need to report every sen they spend.
"For example, as a result of this water tariff increase, the water operator company received RM50 million, so we ask them to list what projects they will undertake, when the projects will be implemented, and who the contractors they hire are. All of this must be reported to SPAN.
"This allows SPAN to more closely monitor the implementation of these projects, including providing input on whether the projects will benefit the people or not," he said.
He said the implementation of these projects would also be displayed on the websites of the respective operator companies and the SPAN website.
"The public, including our own media practitioners, can monitor the flow of money used by these operator companies. This is our promise to the people of Malaysia," he said.
On concerns that the B40 group would be burdened by the increase in water tariffs, Charles said several states have already agreed to provide subsidies to the target group.
"This matter will be announced by the respective operator companies themselves. So far, eight states have agreed, while three others are still in discussion.
" For SPAN, we support what they want to do and we ask all states to identify this target group," he said.