Compared to other states, Johor should be considered as very lucky as we can make profit from selling raw waters to Malacca and Singapore.
Currently, the Johor Government is selling raw water to Malacca and Singapore at RM0.30/1000 gallons and RM0.03/1000 gallons respectively, from which the Johor Government receives a monthly payment of RM230,000 from the Malacca government and RM200,000 from the Public Utilities Board (PUB), Singapore.
Despite the fact that the Johor Government is making profit from selling untreated waters, Johoreans are paying higher water tariff than the Malaysians in Malacca, as shown below.
Not only Johor has higher water tariff than Malacca, we also have the highest domestic water tariff in Malaysia, with the first 35m3 of water being charged at RM1.05/m3, far above the national average of RM0.66/m3, meaning the domestic consumers in Johor have to pay extra 159% for consuming water!
At the same time, Johor also has the highest industrial water tariff in Malaysia. The first 80m3 usage of water is being charged RM2.80/m3, an extra 210% compare to the national average tariff of RM1.33/m3.
Even with the usage of first 500m3, the industrial water tariff is RM2.93/ m3, 215% higher than the national average tariff of RM1.36/m3.
Johor has been known as the fix-deposit state for BN until the 13th General Election. It is sad that despite Johoreans’ strong support towards BN, their support have been taken for granted.
The charges for raw water supply to Singapore has not seen an increase for the past 52 years. As such, Johor Government has recently proposed to the Federal Government to review the selling price in order to gain more profit to the State Government.
However the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili in answering my Parliamentary debate yesterday has turned down the proposal immediately.
However, the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water as well as the Johor Government still owe Johoreans an explanation as to why the treated water in Johor is more expensive than in Malacca, even though the Malacca Government has to purchase untreated water from Johor. They should also explain to all Johoreans what steps will be taken to lower the water tariff in Johor, to make Johor a more livable state and more attractive to investors.