KUALA LUMPUR: Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated that a Cabinet paper is being prepared to authorize states to increase water tariffs. The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister emphasized that it is inevitable for state water operators to raise water tariffs. He explained that part of the water problems faced by the country is linked to water tariffs, with some states not increasing tariffs for more than 40 years. Previously, the government allowed water operators to raise tariffs for non-domestic users, but now the need to raise tariffs for domestic users has arisen due to the lack of industries in many states. Nik Nazmi expressed that there is a general consensus among both government and opposition-led states to review water tariffs. The preparation of a Cabinet paper is underway to facilitate an increase in tariffs by state water operators, eliminating the need for lengthy approval processes from the minister.
Nik Nazmi assured that measures will be taken to prevent consumers from being overly burdened by any water tariff hike. Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man agreed with Nik Nazmi on the need to increase water tariffs, citing Pahang as an example of a state that has not raised water tariffs in over 40 years. On a different matter, Tuan Ibrahim suggested that the study on water management in Johor should not involve external parties. He argued that involving Singapore in the study proposed by the Prime Minister is unnecessary, as water is under state jurisdiction. Tuan Ibrahim emphasized that revealing water sources is a matter of national security and should not involve outsiders.
Tuan Ibrahim made this reference in regards to the 1962 agreement, which grants Singapore the right to draw 1,136,523,500 litres of water per day from the Johor River until 2061. According to the agreement, Singapore must pay three sen for every 4,500 litres of water. During a visit to Singapore on Oct 30, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’s commitment to honor the agreement and supply water to the republic. He suggested that both countries collaborate to ensure the Johor River meets the water needs of Johor while also supplying water to Singapore.
