KUANTAN: Pengurusan Air Pahang Bhd (Paip) has been told to step up their services to consumers across Pahang as the new water tariff for households comes into effect after some 40 years tomorrow.
Beserah assemblyman Andansura Rabu said increasing the water tariff but not the quality of services will certainly affect consumers, and result in public dissatisfaction towards the service provided by the operator.
"I have no issues with the proposal (adjustment) but in my view the hike in water tariffmust be in line with the improvements and the quality of service provided by the Paip to users.
"Increasing the water tariff but the services remain (unchanged) will be worrying. Maybe, Paip and the Pahang government can come out with a plan to improve water supply quality and services.
"The water supply issue appears to have no solution and has made people's lives difficult for so many years. For example, in my constituency, the people are unable to enjoy continuous water supply due to low water pressure... this disturbs their quality of life.
"They are forced to change their daily routines... getting up at 3am to wash clothes and manage their water. Imagine, the people having to face such an issue without a solution or feedback from Paip," he said when commenting on the new water tariff rates beginning tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Andansura, who is the Pahang Pas deputy commissioner, said there were many complaints and comments on social media about the water cuts which were left unattended, and even calls to reach the hotline were not answered.
Andansura said, based on his own experience, Paip had rejected and did not want the opposition's involvement in any issues when he tried to help his constituents to meet the operators to find a solution for the water problems.
"Complaints raised by the people have to be attended to, looked into and provided a solution.
Paip's management has to be professional and be fair to everyone including the opposition (elected representatives) as we are trying to help the people," he said.
On Jan 17, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail was reported saying Pahang will make adjustments to the water tariffs for domestic users following the National Water Services Commission'stariff adjustment announcement.
He said Feb 1 onwards, households across Pahang will pay 78 sen for the first 20 cubic metres of treated water compared to 37 sen for the first 18 cubic metres of water which has been imposed since 1983.
