By FENNY SILONG
KUCHING: Water tariff for Sarawak stays as the government has no plans to increase it yet.
The state government, however, is planning to standardise the rates for all areas throughout the state.
Utility Ministry in a statement said the rates for water tariff involving rural areas in Sarawak was last adjusted in 1984.
“The last time Kuching Water Board (KWB) and Sibu Water Board (SWB) increased their water tariff for major towns and urban centres statewide was in 1992.
“The latest upward adjustment on water tariff was recorded in 1995 but only involved areas in Bintulu,” said the statement.
The ministry said domestic water users in rural areas are actually enjoying water subsidy from the state government.
“Average production cost of water per cubic metre is RM1.40 but the rate charged to consumer is fixed at only 62 sen,” the statement added.
According to the statement, the state government is actively upgrading its services to provide clean water supply throughout the state.
“A total RM2.8 billion additional allocation has been set aside by the state government to achieve the mission,” it added.
To ensure efficient services in providing clean water supply to the people, the government is currently studying various approaches such as imposing additional payment for usage beyond the normal rate to avoid wastage, it said.
Recently, Federal Water and Natural Resources Minister Dr A Xavier had instructed the National Water Services Commission to hold discussions with state governments on proposal to increase water tariff nationwide this year. – Sarawak Voice
