The forthcoming water tariff adjustment is projected to generate an additional RM20 million over six months, allowing the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to proceed with seven major infrastructure initiatives designed to address long-term water supply issues.
PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan stated the projects are part of the Penang Water Contingency Plan 2030. These include the RM250 million Taman Mengkuang Water Treatment Plant (WTP), which is expected to supply up to 114 million litres of treated water per day to Seberang Perai Tengah.
Further, the RM402 million Sungai Kerian WTP is planned to bolster supply in Seberang Perai Selatan. Additionally, a RM416 million, 3.9-kilometre pipeline from Macallum to Bukit Dumbar will be constructed to enhance treated water distribution from the Sungai Dua WTP to the island.
A compact WTP will be installed at Sungai Kerian as a temporary measure until the full plant is completed by 2028. Other improvements include upgrades to major assets such as the main pumps at the Bukit Dumbar Reservoir and Pump Station, as well as the construction of a new chemical dosing facility at Sungai Dua WTP to raise safety standards in chemical handling and maintenance.
Efforts to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) will involve water meter replacements, smart meter initiatives, and updates to pipes and valves. The tariff revision, under the Second Implementation Period (TP2) of the Tariff Setting Mechanism (TSM), will see an average increase of 20 sen per cubic metre.
Domestic users with individual meters and consumption up to 25m³ per month will pay RM6.50, increased from RM6.20. Non-domestic users will be charged RM1.93 per m³ for usage up to 35m³, rising to RM2.31 per m³ beyond that, with a minimum charge set at RM19.30.
For domestic bulk meters, the flat rate is RM1.92 per m³ with a minimum of RM19.20. Places of worship and charitable institutions will be charged 67 sen per m³, with a minimum of RM6.70. Shipping will be charged at RM8.01 per m³, with an RM80.10 minimum, while data centres will pay RM5.31 per m³ with a minimum monthly charge of RM53.10.