Govt agrees to streamline increase in water tariff, quit rent in states

PUTRAJAYA: The federal government, in principle, has agreed to streamline any future increase in water tariff and quit rent proposed by state governments, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.

The matter, however, was subject to agreement from the state governments, irrespective of whether they are under the Barisan Nasional or opposition pact, he said.

"In matters concerning land and the cost to supply water, we will try to reach a consensus.

"In other words, if there are proposals to increase water tariffs or quit rent, we will try to get a common stand from all states," he told reporters after chairing the National Finance Council at the Finance Ministry, here on Friday, Aug 20.

The prime minister said he had given all state governments until end of Ramadan month to inform him whether they agreed to him hosting a discussion to find a consensus on the issue.

He said that some state governments were facing pressure in terms of revenue due to their limited resources.

There was also an increase in the cost to provide amenities, including water supply, he said.

"If there are suggestions to increase water tariffs or quit rent, there will be political elements involved.

"But if all states agree to it, then there will be no political issue arise. If we can agree to this in the near future, then that it will be something positive... we have never been able to do things like this before," he said. — Bernama