Bukit Antarabangsa residents could be part of the Selangor’s Skim Air Darul Ehsan (Sade), which offers 20 cubic metres of free water if the Member of Parliament of the constituency gathers enough support for the initiative,
Over the past three weeks, registration booths have been set up at local markets in his constituency, with a team comprising volunteers and staff from Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor).
The MP said the initiative targets families with incomes below RM5,000, in line with the scheme’s requirement. Despite moderate response so far, the team is committed to raising awareness and maximising registrations.
“We have mobilised volunteers and Air Selangor personnel to help the public register for this scheme at weekend markets. So far, we have received registrations, but the response is still lukewarm.
“We want to maximise the number of registrants for this scheme as we feel many consumers are still unaware of the cubic metre value and the increased income threshold for this benefit,” he said when contacted.
He added that he is focusing more on intensifying the promotion of this state initiative rather than setting a target number of households for registration.
“We will discuss with Air Selangor to understand the residents’ demographics because not everyone is eligible for this scheme. With the income threshold raised, the number of beneficiaries will also increase.
“Previously, registration was automatic for the low-income (B40) group, but now eligibility needs to be determined through registration,” he said.
The Selangor Chief Minister Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari had announced that some 100,000 additional consumer accounts would benefit from the free water scheme. with a cost of over RM30 million fully borne by the state government.
This follows the revision of the minimum monthly household eligibility income threshold from RM4,000 to RM5,000.
The free water as part of the state’s pledge when it took over from the opposition, however from offering blanket free water to all residents, the state is now offering the programme to those who are eligible only.
