The Perak menteri besar’s office said in a statement that the five sen increase was for the use of up to 20 cubic metres per month, with the rate for the use of 21 to 35 cubic metres set at RM1.08, compared with RM1.03 sen previously.

It said that to reduce the impact of tariff changes on domestic users, the Perak Water Board would provide a rebate of 40 sen per cubic metre for the first 10 cubic metres of the month (equivalent to RM4 per month).

“With the rebate, the average tariff rate for the use of up to 20 cubic metres can be reduced to only 55 sen per cubic metre, compared with 75 sen without the rebate,” it said.

It added that the new water tariff in Perak was now much lower than the average rate of 22 sen set by the National Water Services Commission.

“The minimum charge for domestic use is RM7.50, before taking the rebate into account. After taking the rebate into account, the minimum charge is RM3.50 compared with the current rate of RM3,” it said.

It added that the new tariff would not affect the free 25 cubic metres of water per month given to target groups, or the free 20 cubic metres per month for houses of worship.

“The board should take advantage of the new tariff to improve the quality of its services, including replacing old pipes and improving maintenance aspects.

“To do that, the board needs sufficient funds to finance improvement programmes including constructing water treatment plants, especially in new development areas,” it said.

The last adjustment to the state water tariff was made in 2006.