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DAP calls on the Minister of Housing and
Local Government to direct Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd to cease
collecting sewerage charges from areas which it has not been
authorised to collect and refund all sums that it has illegally
collected
Media Statement
by
Ngeh Koo Ham
(Ipoh,
Tuesday): The
Perak DAP calls on the Minister of Housing and Local Government, Dato' Seri
Ong Ka Ting to immediately direct Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd to
immediately cease collecting sewerage charges form areas which it has not
been authorised to collect and refund all sums that it has illegal collected
so far.
Under the Sewerage Services Act 1993 (Act 508) the Minister may authorise a
sewerage services contractor with whom an agreement has been entered into to
demand, collect and retain the sewerage charges, fees or levy in respect of
sewerage services provided by the contractor.
In Perak, the Minister has so far only authorised Indah Water Konsortium Sdn
Bhd to collect sewerage charges from the following 3 areas under Sewerage
Services (Authorisation to demand, collect and retain sewerage charges) (No.
2) Order 1995 ;-
i) Area of the City Council of Ipoh;
ii) Taiping Municipal Council Area;
iii) Kuala Kangsar District Council Area.
The Commencement date for the collection of sewerage charges for the
abovesaid areas is 01.12.1994.
It has been brought to our knowledge that Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd has
been collecting sewerages charges from Manjung District, Teluk Intan
District and other areas. In fact some have been issued legal notices and
summons by Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd in these districts seeking to
recover the purported sewerages charges from those who have refused to pay
up.
The 15 lawyers team formed by DAP Perak to assist those who are oppressed by
the authorities will provide free legal services for those affected.
DAP Perak also notes that it is also unfair that sewerage charges are only
collected from the abovesaid 3 areas to subsidize the expenses incurred for
the whole state. DAP calls on the Minister to abolish the sewerage
collection from the said 3 areas and other areas.
Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd has been taken over by the Government upon
the payment of about RM200 Million. It no longer belongs to the private
sector.
Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd should stop collecting sewerage charges from
the public. It is more appropriate that the sewerage expenses be borne more
equitably by the people through our annual budget allocation. Such a system
will be more equitable to all.
(17/6/2003)
* Ngeh Koo Ham, DAP
Perak Chairman
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