Raising water tariffs in Kelantan provides resources for the state’s water consortium Air Kelantan Sdn Bhd to ensure a continuous water supply to the state, dissuading people from extracting underground water which can be harmful to the environment. Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) president S. Piarapakaran said widespread extraction of underground water may cause environmental problems such as lowering groundwater levels, soil sedimentation and deforestation. The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) announced water tariff adjustments for domestic users in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan starting 1 February, involving an average increase of 22 cents per cubic metre.

Source: Bernama