Rayer lashes out at PBAPP over drastic water rate increase

Jelutong MP RSN Rayer has lashed out at the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) for introducing drastic increase in water rates.

PBAPP CEO K Pathmanathan had justified the increase by claiming there is a need to spend billions for additional infrastructure.

“Does this really justify PBAPP’s sudden and drastic increase in water rates? I beg to differ.

“Aren’t there any other cost-cutting measures the PBAPP can implement? If the PBAPP needs billions of ringgit for additional infrastructure then PBAPP should undertake other internal cost-cutting measures first,” he said in a statement today.

The new rates are 62 sen for the first 20 cubic metres (up 182 percent from 22 sen), RM1.17 for the second band above 20 cubic metres to 35 cubic metres (up 154 percent from 46 sen) and RM2.07 for the third band of more than 35 cubic metres.

Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng who is also former Penang Chief Minister had already called for the state government to consider a 20 sen rebate as buffer against the water tariff hike.

PBAPP is currently working on arresting five major issues: highest water consumption, raised water demand projection, climate change, further risks of Sungai Muda blunders.