At least 10 Penangites interviewed said water tariffs were reasonable and measures by the authorities to penalise those who wasted water were welcome.

This feedback was derived following a proposed hike for ultra-heavy water users by Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBA) chairman Lim Guan Eng yesterday.

Under the proposed RM1 penalty, called the “water conservation surcharge” (WCS), home users who consumed more than 35,000 litres of water will be charged RM1 for every subsequent 1,000 litres.

The WCS is intended to limit water wastage and prevent the necessity for water rationing exercises during dry spells.

This would affect 25% of 504,400 domestic users or 126,000 Penangites.

The hike is likely to take effect by year’s end, but only after the National Water Services Commission gives the nod.

Under the current rate, homes that use more than 35,000 litres a month pay 90 sen (42 sen + 48 sen WCS) for every extra 1,000 litres used.

Under the proposed WCS, those who use more than 35,000 litres will pay RM1.42 for every extra 1,000 litres (42 sen + RM1 WCS) used.

In a street poll by FMT in George Town and Air Itam, most of those met felt they were paying very little for water.

For executive LK Beh, of Farlim, Air Itam, her monthly bill for a household of three came to RM5 over two months.

She said most of the water was used for laundry.

“We are hardly at home, but despite having relatives stay over sometimes, we only pay RM2.50 a month. We are billed once every two months,” she said.

When asked about the WCS, Beh said it would be a good deterrent for those who overused water.

“It is very hot these days, so I think it is okay to charge those who overuse,” she said.

Another user, who only wanted to be known as Nair, from Island Park, Green Lane, said she only paid about RM12 every two months.

The teacher said the bill was low as she had a family of five.

“I water the plants daily. We do not wash our cars as we send them to the car wash. So the bill is quite ok.”

She said introducing the WCS was welcome as some people wasted water.

“So long as the water tariffs remain the same, we are okay. I read about the WCS in the papers. It won’t affect me,” Nair said.

For Penang Street shopkeeper Abder Kader Sultan, 64, the WCS would definitely impact those with big families, where water usage would understandably be high.

“What do you expect? Big families, more water used. Our water bill is low. They must consider what to do for big families.”

In an immediate comment, PBA chief executive officer Jaseni Maidinsa said those with big families hit by the WCS could apply for relief.

He said they would be given 60% off their bills.

“Households of eight persons and above can apply for a 60% WCS discount.

“Forms to apply for the discount are available from PBA’s customer care centres at Komtar and eight other centres,” Jaseni said.

Penang’s water rates are the lowest in the country despite a hike in April 2015. According to PBA, most of the water treated, 59.4% to be exact, was used by homes.

However, Penangites were the highest water users in the country last year at 286 litres/capita/day (l/c/d), compared with the national average of 209 l/c/d.

Comparatively, Singapore recorded only 152 l/c/d in the same year.