Ministry agrees to review Labuan's new water rates
Published on: Thursday, October 08, 2015
Labuan: The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry has agreed to review the new water tariffs here following a public outcry and good news is expected soon after.Labuan Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Datuk Wong Kii Yii, who disclosed this after meeting officials of the Water Supply Department here on Wednesday, said: "But first we have to prepare a memorandum of appeal on the new water rates, with the document to be signed by representatives from all segments of society, to reflect its wide-ranging effect on the local residents."
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He said he would be collecting signatures for this purpose over the next three days, with the assistance of Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Chairman here, Datuk Peter Mak."Collecting signatures is not a problem as many here find the new water tariffs 'unrealistic and burdensome' and would be happy to put down even more than one signature," he added.He said since the new tariffs were implemented in August, he knew of no one who had spoken in favour. "Even ordinary consumers feel the pinch of having to pay almost double or more despite the National Water Commission's claim that the new rates were implemented after careful study and in consideration of the welfare of the people.
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"What consideration are they talking about when even private schools and prayer houses are ruthlessly billed?" asked Wong.While the Commission claimed that only about 50 per cent of users would be affected, "this is not reflected at the ground level."
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The new tariffs saw water usage rate exceeding 35 cubic meters to be charged RM1.70 per m3 from RM1.2 for domestic category. While for other categories, the rate is RM2.20 per m3 for usage exceeding 35 m3. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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