The case is the latest in a series of high-profile tax disputes involving popular South Korean entertainers, including Cha Eun-woo of K-pop boy band Astro and actor Kim Seon-ho.
GEORGE TOWN: Most Penang households will pay up to RM2.55 more a month for water from July 1 when revised tariffs take effect after a one-year deferment.
State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said that under the new rates, consumers using 20,000 litres or less a month will pay 65 sen per 1,000 litres, up from the current 62 sen.
"Those who use between 20,000 and 35,000 litres will be charged RM1.30 per 1,000 litres, while those exceeding 35,000 litres will be charged RM2.21 per 1,000 litres," he told a press conference on Thursday . For domestic consumers, about 82% of households use 35,000 litres or less of water a month. Under the revised tariff, the average domestic water rate for the first 35,000 litres per month will be RM0.93 per 1,000 litres, the second lowest in Malaysia.
Zairil said a household consuming 35,000 litres a month would pay RM32.50, compared with RM29.95 previously, an increase of RM2.55 a month or about 8.5 sen a day. For non-domestic consumers, including factories, hotels, shopping malls, businesses and government offices, those using 35,000 litres or less a month will pay RM1.93 per cubic metre, compared with the current rate of RM1.57.
"Those exceeding 35,000 litres will be charged RM2.31 per 1,000 litres, compared with the current rate of RM2.17 per 1,000 litres," Zairil added. A non-domestic consumer using 500,000 litres a month will pay RM1,141.70, compared with RM1,064 previously, resulting in a maximum increase of RM77.70 a month, or RM2.59 a day.
"For domestic bulk meter consumers, the flat rate will increase from RM1.73 to RM1.92 per 1,000 litres, with a minimum charge of RM19.20 a month," Zairil said. "For shipping, the flat rate will increase from RM7.07 to RM8.01 per 1,000 litres, with a minimum charge of RM80.10 a month. "For houses of worship and welfare institutions, the flat rate will remain at 67 sen per 1,000 litres, with a minimum charge of RM6.70 a month.
" Zairil said the revision is necessary to sustain water supply services, fund critical infrastructure projects and encourage water conservation. Penang's per capita domestic water consumption stood at 267 litres per capita per day last year, the highest in Malaysia, compared with the national average of 225 LCD in 2024.
Penang Water Supply Corporation chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said the revised tariffs were expected to generate an additional RM20mil in revenue for PBAPP and PBA Holdings Bhd in the second half of the year.
"Any additional profits will be largely reinvested as capital expenditure for water projects in Penang," he said. Among the projects to be funded are the 114 million-litre-per-day Mengkuang Park Water Treatment Plant , scheduled for completion by the end of this year; land acquisition for the 136 MLD Sungai Perai LRA; and expansion works at the 1,342 MLD Sungai Dua LRA.
Other projects include a dedicated treated water pipeline from Macallum to Bukit Dumbar and the proposed 114 MLD Sungai Muda LRA, both of which form part of the Water Contingency Plan 2030.
Water Tariffs Increase Domestic Consumers Non-Domestic Consumers Exco Zairil Khir Johari Penang Water Supply Corporation PBAPP K. Pathmanathan Revenue Capital Expenditure Water Projects Water Treatment Plants Pipeline Water Contingency Plan 2030
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penang CM Dismisses Possibility of Concurrent State and General ElectionsPenang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has dismissed the likelihood of holding the next state election simultaneously with the 16th general election, citing disrupted electoral cycles and voter fairness.
Read more »
Penang to review fire safety compliance for old, heritage buildings after Odeon blaze kills workerGEORGE TOWN, June 2 — Penang will review possible improvement measures, including strengthening compliance with fire safety requirements for old and heritage buildings, following...
Read more »
Analysis-US tech stocks' market dominance reaches new heights and presents new risksMANCHESTER, England, June 3 (Reuters) - Napoli have signed Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United on a permanent deal for a 50 million euros ($58.08 million) fee after a successful loan spell, both clubs announced on Wednesday.
Read more »
After 1-year delay, Penang’s new water rates to take effect July 1Penang exco says the new rates are needed to sustain the current level of water supply services and gradually reduce domestic water consumption.
Read more »