KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 1): There is unanimous consensus among all state governments to increase water tariffs for domestic users, Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi said on Wednesday.
He stated that his ministry had already engaged in several discussions with the state governments, and there is a consensus across political parties over the necessity of raising water tariffs for domestic users, especially since some had not seen an increase in the past 40 years.
"While the previous government allowed tariff increases for non-domestic users, we still need to address the issue, as many states lack industrial or commercial sectors," he explained while wrapping up his ministerial response on Budget 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.
Nik Nazmi also informed that his ministry is currently in the process of developing a mechanism that eliminates the need for state water operators to seek ministerial approval for tariff adjustments.
"We will submit a proposal to the Cabinet regarding a mechanism to set water tariffs. This would allow water operators to determine the tariff rates. However, we will also consider how to protect the interests of consumers in the bottom 40% and middle 40% income groups," he added.
The previous government on June 22, 2022 agreed to adjust water supply tariffs for non-domestic and special categories in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, with an average increase of 25 sen per cubic metre.
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