KUALA LUMPUR:Environment and Water (KASA) Minister Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man believes now is not the right time to raise water tariff rates as the people are still reeling from the economic situation following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stressed that the government was of the opinion that calls for the water tariff to be increased should be put on hold although the rates have not been reviewed for a long time.

"Regarding the water tariff, for your information, we are also concerned about the issue, (but) like the Kuala Langat YB brought up, the time is not right. Right now, the people are suffering, the economy is affected. It will take time (to raise the rates) so that the people will not be burdened for now," he said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2021 for his ministry at the Committee-level in the Dewan Rakyat today

Earlier, the issue of water tariff increase was raised by Datuk Dr A Xavier Jayakumar (PKR-Kuala Langat), who said it was necessary for it to be raised to balance the financing of the country's water supply industry.

Meanwhile, commenting on environmental pollution, he said that the environmental crime unit set up administratively had carried out enforcement since Oct 1, resulting in several individuals who caused river pollution being charged in court.

Apart from that, the ministry is also carrying out efforts to strengthen existing acts and laws.

KASA, he said, has also submitted a proposal to implement the TAPS (Riverside Reservoir) projects under the 12th Malaysia Plan as alternative water sources so as to minimise the risk of water supply disruptions, as experienced in the Klang Valley recently.

"TAPS will also function as a flood control mechanism. Under the 11th Malaysia Plan, four TAPS projects were approved, namely TAPS Jernih, TAPS Melaka, TAPS Sungai Johor and TAPS Linggi, with an overall allocation of RM1.4 billion.

"As for Sungai Semenyih and Sungai Selangor, KASA targets to build two TAPS, namely TAPS Putrajaya and TAPS Rasau, as alternative water sources in case there are water disruptions or pollutions at the rivers," he said.

The allocation for the ministry was then approved at the committee level by a majority voice vote.

The sitting continues tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA