Public outraged over Selangor govt’s move to review water tariffs
(The Star) – The impending water tariff hike has proven to be a highly unpopular move, with consumer groups, businessmen, elected representatives and the public criticising the Selangor government’s actions.
Petaling Jaya resident Lim Su Lyn was outraged as the state government had promised to maintain the tariffs in 2014.
“It’s such a U-turn. And there’s no way it won’t affect us, as when costs go up businesses will pass them on to us,” she added.
Another consumer S. Ragu said that service was so poor there was “no justification” for raising costs.
“Look at the water issues Selangor has had. How can they just raise prices for sub-par service?” he asked.
Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Maicci) president Tan Sri K.K. Eswaran said the move showed the Selangor government’s lack of consideration for the rakyat.
“There are so many factories in Selangor. Production costs will increase and when this happens, prices will go up. It’s definitely a bad move,” he added.
Forum Air communication and policy manager Jesslyn Pek said the state government had to provide its reasoning behind the tariff review.
“It may not be a bad thing if, after the tariff goes up, we have less disruptions, improved service and fewer pump-house breakdowns.
“We need to see the reasoning behind the hike, there must be transparency,” she added.
Former Selangor mentri besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said it was unfair of the state government to increase water tariff.
In a strongly-worded statement, he said the restructuring of rates was “in conflict with the spirit and intent of the original acquisition” of water services by the state from the concessionaires.
He was disappointed by the sudden change in public policies, especially as the initial reason for restructuring was that people could enjoy water services more efficiently and at reasonable rates.
“The state government can avoid wastage and leakages in operation costs by cutting down on unnecessary expenditure, reducing multi-level contracts and ceasing the award of sub-contracts,” he added.
He also said that originally, the rate increase was only to be considered three to four years after the restructuring of the water services industry in Selangor was successful, with an increment cap of 12-15% every three years.
Batang Kali assemblyman Mat Nadzari Ahmad Dahlan of Barisan Nasional was disappointed with the move by Mentri Besar Azmin Ali for a review and readjustment on the tariff.
“This is not good for the people and the investors,” he said when met on the sidelines of the state assembly sitting here.
Dengkil assemblyman Shahrum Sharif said the people should not be burdened with a tariff increase, adding that it was not in line with the principles that the Selangor government had been championing.
