A local English news daily has reported that there will be imminent water tariff increase after the next General Election.
However Perbadanan Bekaian Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) General Manager, Jaseni Maidinsa clarified that he was misquoted yesterday and the fact is water tariff in Penang will not be increased even after the next election.
Jaseni clarified that during a public seminar organised by WWF-Malaysia on the Importance of the Ulu Mucla Forest for Water Security in Northern Peninsular Malaysia yesterday, he was referring to the importance of gazetting the water catchment and stopping logging activities, and how it affects the water source if logging activities continues and Ulu Muda is not gazetted.
Penang is undoubtedly a “waterstressed” state as 80 percent of water supply is from the Muda River.
lt was also highlighted that Penang had gazetted the Water catchments in 2004.
“During the presentation yesterday, I explained that Penang’s NRW is 18.4 percent which is the lowest in the country and further reduction is only possible with water tariff revision since heavy capital investment is required.” Jaseni said.
He hoped that with this clarification the consumers in Penang will be relieved that PBAPP is not planning for any tariff increase in the immediate future.
He hopes that The Star can correct their report immediately to prevent any attempt to exploit the situation.by Jaseni Maidinsa
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