Johor folks welcome the review of raw water charges to Singapore

The intention of the Johor state government to review the rate of raw water to Singapore , which has not been changed since 1962 received positive feedback from the people.

Many, who were met by Astro AWANI agreed that the 3 cents per thousand gallons of raw water charges supplied to the republic 51 years ago is no longer applicable.

Taxi driver, Hairul Masnon Ghani said the rate should have been changed long ago especially with the economic development and progress achieved both by countries .

The federal government should have insisted that the review was implemented.

"As a local Johorean I feel that the old rate of 3 cents is an unreasonable price now , it should be RM1.50 to RM2.00 .

"With the current state of the economy, the cost does not fit the current price, it should be changed if not there is a great loss, Malaysia has to change. The government has to take further action," he said.

Meanwhile, his friend , Zarudin Kassim also shared the same opinion, saying the price according to the Water Agreement 1962 was too cheap and a loss for Malaysia.

At present, I think the price is too cheap, but if we can get the Johor government to discuss and get a higher price, it will be better.

"I hope the Singapore government will take this matter into consideration," he said .

Meanwhile bus driver Goh Kok Huat said that with rise of oil prices, other goods and necessities, the rate of raw water charges be must be increased as well .

He said that based on logic, no goods or services will retain the same price for a long time.

"All prices have gone up including oil, so we can’t give the same price as before .

"Even currencies have changed , so we have to look at the price of the water too," he said .

According to records, every month Johor receive payment of RM 1.2 million from SAJ Holdings and RM230, 000 from the Malacca state government and RM200 , 000 from the Singapore Public Utilities Board ( PUB ) .

Based on the Malaysia- Singapore Agreement in 1961 and 1962, PUB buys water at 3 sen per thousand gallons of raw water and treated water is sold at 50 cents per thousand gallons to Johor