SHAH ALAM: The expected increase in water tariff rates beginning Feb 1 is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd's (Air Selangor) capital and business plan.
However, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that certain affected groups would still be taken into consideration following the hike in water tariff rates.
"In terms of business capital and business plans, we need an increase in rates at certain levels over certain periods. Yesterday, we found that around 49 per cent of accounts (users) will be affected in Selangor.
"Today, I will issue a more detailed statement before 4pm (announcing the steps). There are several steps we will introduce to reduce the burden by half for the affected groups from the increase," he said.
He said this during a media session after the Selangor Digital School Graduation Ceremony at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, here today.
He said among the steps to be taken was to ensure the continuity of the Skim Air Darul Ehsan (Sade).
"We will also announce a lower rate... it ranges from RM1.50 to RM5.80 or RM6.
"But for those who can afford it, it is reasonable for them to pay a certain price for the water they use."
"With this increase in water tariff rates, we will give back to the people, including the replacement of pipes, which this year we have raised to 300km compared to the previous years, about 150km of pipe length," he added.
Earlier, it was reported that the National Water Services Commission (Span) said the adjustments were implemented under the Tariff Setting Mechanism, with the structure and components of water tariff being standardised for states in the Peninsula as well as Labuan.
The rates will be reviewed every three years to ensure consistency in payment determination.
Span said the adjustment in water tariff rates, reflecting the cost of water supply, was crucial to enable water operators to improve service levels in continuously providing quality water.
The new water rates are expected to increase in the bill charges ranging from RM1.60 to RM8 for each residence, or five to 27 sen per day for a household using 20 cubic metres of water per month.