GEORGE TOWN: Penang Gerakan public complaints bureau chief Andrew Ooi said they had received more than 50 complaints in recent days about the soaring water charges.
He said many people were dissatisfied with the fact that the PBAPP was still using the old water consumption and bi-monthly calculation method after the hike of water charges, which makes it more expensive for households.
He said, according to some of the complainants, the water charges of many families had increased as much as 100 per cent and some even claimed to be more than 150 per cent, which is unbearable.
Ooi said his own personal water bill also showed an exorbitant increase, but after lodging a complaint, he ended up paying only a minimal sum.
"Penangites are now faced with the sharp increase in water charges.
"I believe that if the Penang government and the PBAPP cannot cancel or reverse the increase in water tariffs/charges, then they should consider readjusting the water consumption tiering and bi-monthly billing calculation method.
"Based on the current calculation of 62 sen for the first 20 cubic metres from the original 22 sen, it is an increase of 182 per cent; RM1.17 for 20 to 35 cubic metres (originally 46 sen, an increase of 154 per cent); and RM2.07 for more than 35 cubic metres (originally 68 sen, an increase of 204 per cent), which is unbearable for the people.
"When Gerakan was the state government from 1969 to 2008, the water charges were maintained within the range of 22 sen per cubic metre, but under the governance of the unity government, it rose to 62 sen sen per cubic metre," he said today.
Ooi proposed that the Penang government, as well as PBAPP, consider changing the calculation method for water consumption levels. Specifically, he suggested increasing the first tier from 20 to 50 cubic metres, adjusting the second tier from 20 to 35 cubic metres to 50 to 100 cubic metres, and changing the threshold for the highest tier from 35 cubic metres to over 100 cubic metres.
"We also urge the Penang government and the PBAPP to communicate and explain the reason for the water price increase more transparently so that the people can understand the reason for the soaring water charges," he added.
Social media users in Penang have been complaining about soaring water charges, with many sharing the increase in their water bills.
Some shared that their bills have risen by over RM100, while others said their water bills which used to be around RM30 have increased to around RM100.
Despite the higher charges, PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said the average domestic water rate in Penang remained the second lowest in the country.
Meanwhile, Ooi said as per the report by PBA Holdings Berhad, its profit after tax in 2022 was RM77.12 million.
He, however, said the people have yet to see any additional infrastructure by PBAPP to resolve the water shortage and disruption issues.
"If we mention the Expanded Mengkuang Dam, we can think of Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu.
If we mention the Teluk Bahang Dam, we can think of or relate to Tan Sri Koh Tsu Koon.
"But if we mention floods, water disruption and traffic jams, we think of current Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow," he added.
Ooi also urged the Penang government to consider implementing some measures to help those families who are most affected by the increase in water charges.
At the same time, he noted, the government could also strengthen the management and utilisation of water resources, reduce the overall water supply cost by improving water supply efficiency and reduce the waste of non-revenue water.