The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has disputed claims that the proposed water conservation surcharge (WCS), which is to be imposed on heavy users, is a burden to the people.

PBAPP CEO Jaseni Maidinsa said the WCS does not affect the majority of domestic consumers, 75 percent of whom use less than 35,000 litres per month.

He added that the PBAPP has submitted an application to the National Water Services Commission to increase the WCS to RM1 per 1,000 litres from the current rate of 48 sen. 

"This WCS review aims to convince 25 percent of domestic consumers who use more than 35,000 litres per month," he said at a press conference in Komtar.

Jaseni added that the WCS would not affect trade consumers in Penang. 

Use 10pct less water at home

Jaseni said the overall aim of the initiative is to reduce domestic consumption by 10 percent, from 286 l/c/d (litres per capita per day) in 2016 to 257 l/c/d in 2017.

He appealed to all registered domestic water consumers in Penang to use water wisely at home this year.  

“Even if you are using less than 35,000 litres per month, please help us to achieve the 257 l/c/d target by using 10 percent less water at home,” he said.

“The 257 l/c/d target has been set to get all domestic consumers involved in water saving to avoid rationing in Penang. Our main priority is (to have) no rationing.”

Two water projects delayed

Jaseni said Penang needs enough water until 2020 because the Mengkuang Dam expansion project and Sungai Perak raw water transfer scheme have been delayed by the federal government. 

Meanwhile, Kedah still allows the logging of trees in Ulu Muda, the water catchment for Sungai Muda, he added.

“We are not asking for a drastic reduction. We are just asking for 10 percent less,” he said.

Jaseni said 257 l/c/d is not a difficult target, reminding Penangites that their per capita domestic consumption was 255 l/c/d in 2000, about 17 years ago.

“Other states that charge more for domestic water supply have achieved less than 250 l/c/d,” Jaseni noted.

“Let us show them that Penang can achieve 257 l/c/d in 2017 with the lowest domestic tariffs in Malaysia.”