By Syauqi Jamil
SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari today said that he could not deny the possibility of the increment in water tarif in Selangor in the near future.
However, he can safely say that there are no current plans to increase water tarif or decision to do away with the free water to household in Selangor for the time being.
“We are still discussing to review the possibilities as tarif matters involves the National Water Service Commission (SPAN) and the Federal Government. Its not a unilateral decision by the Selangor State Government.
“For the time being, there’s no plans (to increase water tarif). Even if there is, we will ensure that it won’t be a burden to the people,” he said today.
Previously, speculations arose over water tarif inreasing after Selangor state owned Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) had successfully took over Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor Sdn Bhd (Splash) in a buyout offer of RM2.55 billion.
Amirudin Shari who witnessed the handing over of the offer letter ceremony on Aug 3 explained that the amount offered was after a 28% discount based on Splash net book.
The takeover did not involve any payment by the state government and will be done in a long-term instalments within the next 9 years.
Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting earlier, Amirudin also spoke on the enactment to increase the age limit for Muslim couple from 16 to 18.
The decree made by Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah yesterday came after suggestions made by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) after both entities was instructed to review existing laws in the state in regards to the matter.
Amirudin said the matter is scheduled to be debated either tomorrow or the day after.
“Its a very good trend which call for the community to be more responsible when it comes to marriage. What’s more important is that this enactment is a sign of our concern,” he said.
