Youth query timing of Penang’s water hike

“April 1 was deliberately chosen. They are trying to hide.”

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Umno Youth chief Rafizal Abdul Rahim believes that the 16.7 per cent water hike in the state was deliberately announced on April 1 to coincide with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In addition, he said, consumers have to fork out 90 sen each time they pay their water bills at non-Penang Water Authority (PBA) counters.

“April 1 was deliberately chosen. They are trying to hide,” said Rafizal. “The PBA knows the people would be more focused on the GST and changes in the prices of goods.”

He questioned the Penang Government’s commitment to its election pledge that there would be no increase in water tariffs. “The ruling alliance deliberately lied to the people.”

PBA recently announced a comprehensive tariff hike, effective April 1, of between 16 to 97 per cent “to curb wastage and avoid a possible water rationing exercise during dry spells”. Penang’s water usage is higher than the national average of 210 l/c/d in 2013 and Singapore’s 152 l/c/d.

The National Water Services Commission and the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry approved the water tariff hike in July last year and gazetted it in February.