MCA has come down hard on the DAP-led Penang government for its recent decision to raise water tariffs to deal with consumer wastage amid the recurring dry spell.

Penang MCA deputy chief Tan Teik Cheng said the state government was neglecting its duty to ensure the people’s welfare.

"Once again, the water tariffs are raised without consulting the people. How ironic it is for DAP, which preaches transparency, fairness and justice?" Tan asked.

He challenged Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to disclose the water bill of his official residence and relevant agencies.

"This is to prove that the state government is making itself a role model in saving water, instead of just blaming the people for wasting water so that the state government can raise the tariffs to plug wastage," Tan said.

Penangites have had to face a series of local issues after Pakatan Rakyat took over the state government since 2008, he said.

Now, lim is blaming the people...

Besides inflation, the people are also suffering from the inefficient administration of the state government.

"Now, Lim has blamed the people for forcing him to raise the water tariffs," Tan said.

"This is a common behaviour of Lim to apathetically point fingers at scapegoats over any issues which have yet to be resolved by the state government," he said.

He said MCA has been chasing Lim to answer the many questions, including on his new Mercedes Benz, the implementation of Islamic laws, the banning of non-Muslims from using 40 words and the land swap deal in Batu Kawan for IKEA, but Lim was not able to answer a single question.

"Instead, he has chosen to run away from these issues," Tan added.

Meanwhile, Penang Gerakan wants Lim to explain whether the need to increase water tariffs was due to over-expenditure because of “surplus of directors”.

State Gerakan secretary Oh Tong Keong said Lim, who is also chairperson of the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), should reveal whether the payment of allowances to the directors on the board warranted a raise in water tariffs, which would only burden the people.

“Is PBAPP being so poorly managed that it is now facing a financial challenge?” Oh questioned in a media statement today.

"At this time of economic downturn, Lim, as an accountant, should ensure that PBAPP is prudent, cuts costs and only spends when necessary," he added.