The Penang Water Board PBAPP shared more details on the new water tariff which it said the billing for water supply services in is in accordance with the Federal Government regulations that were published on 31.1.2024.
It said the 2024 “Water Services Industry (Rates for Water Supply Services) (State of Penang) (Amendment) Regulations” is a Federal Government regulation and that it is not a PBAPP regulation or a Penang State Government regulation. This came about in 2011, when Penang migrated to the National Water Services Industry Restructuring Initiative (NWSIRI), PBAPP has been compelled to follow Federal regulations as a licensed water supply operator.
In accordance to Federal regulations, PBAPP said it cannot bill for water supply services in Penang at rates that are higher (or lower) than the exact rates specified.
PBAPP further clarified Water Rates are Higher in All States in Peninsular Malaysia and that Penang’s domestic water rate for the first 35m3 per month is the 2nd lowest in Malaysia. In comparison, the average national domestic rate is RM1.00 per m3 while the state offers for RM0.86 average.
As such, it said Penang’s domestic water rate is the second lowest in Malaysia. Water consumers in all other Peninsular states, except Terengganu, are paying more for their domestic water supply. PBA said there is no truth to the allegation that Penang water consumers pay more for water supply services because PBAPP issues bi-monthly water bills.
