GEORGE TOWN: The increase in Penang's domestic water rates should be implemented in phases to avoid burdening the people, an opposition state assemblyman said.
Izhar Shah Arif Shah (Bersatu - Seberang Jaya) said, just like other elected representatives, he too had been getting numerous complaints, especially from his constituents.
"As such, I want the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) and the Penang government to bear the responsibility and consider the people's concerns.
"They should reconsider the decision that has been made.
"The increase (in Penang's domestic water rates) should be done in phases so that the people, already faced with the high cost of living, no longer be burdened with having to pay high water bills," he said in his debate at the state legislative assembly sitting here today.
In recent times, Penangites have taken to social media and criticised the PBAPP and Penang government for the high water bills.
However, PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan said Penang's domestic water rates were rational and reasonable.
Penang's average domestic water rate, he said, was the second lowest for domestic water consumption up to 35m3 (35,000 litre) per month.
He said the majority (77.3 per cent) of Penang domestic consumers consumed 35m3 or less per month.
Since Jan 30, this year, new water rates have been regulated by the federal government for 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia and the three Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya.Since then, there have been continuous criticisms hurled against PBAPP.
In the same context, Izhar Shah also drew comparison to the sudden increase in rental for a premises by a government agency.
He said he was informed by the entrepreneurs at the premises on the almost two times hike of the rental premises."As I have said, not everyone can face the current economic challenges.
"As such, I appeal to YB Sungai Acheh (state executive council member Rashidi Zinol) to help, so that the rental hike can be reviewed.
"If there is no other choice but to increase the rental, then it should be done in phases, in a time frame suitable to the entrepreneurs renting the premises," he added.