SHAH ALAM – The decision to increase water tariffs in the state has yet to be decided as discussion between the State Government and the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources has yet to take place.
Selangor Menteri Besar, Amirudin Shari, said it would be decided after a meeting with the ministry soon.
However, he said, the State Government will maintain a reasonable tariff rate.
“We will discuss and Selangor is waiting for a discussion, this process involves all parties as well as meeting with the people.
“We need to see many aspects, the meeting with the Ministry will be held in the near future,” he said when met after delivering a mandate to civil servants at Petaling District Government Office Complex here.
Earlier, the Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources, Xavier Jayakumar proposed that water tariffs be increased gradually this year in line with the government’s efforts to restructure the water supply services industry in the country.
Amirudin said the matter was also proposed as no increase was made in the long run in most states.
“For example, Pahang and Perlis have not increased theirs since 30 years ago, while Selangor has not been raised 12 years ago.
“I will make sure if it goes up, it will be lower than the electricity tariff,” he said.
Pulau Pinang previously confirmed that water tariffs rose by up to 20 per cent, Negeri Sembilan and Perak were still looking at the effects, justification but did not refuse to take the same action.
Meanwhile, Johor will not raise the utility tariff rates on the ground that it has already done so in 2015.
