Selangor will review its free water scheme so only those who truly need the aid will benefit from it, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
However, he added that households in the state would continue to receive the 20 cubic metres of treated water for free this year.
"We have received many suggestions to only provide free water to the targeted group," he said, adding that these were being considered.
"We have received many suggestions to only provide free water to the targeted group," he said, adding that these were being considered.
"For now, the state administration has decided to continue with the free water scheme this year ... until the water industry restructuring exercise is fully concluded," he said in reply to a question by Saari Sungib (Hulu Kelang-Amanah) during the Selangor state legislative assembly sitting here Friday.
It was earlier reported that the acquisition of concessionaire Syarikat Pengeluar Air Sungai Selangor (Splash) was still ongoing, and an independent valuer was providing an estimate for the payout.
Azmin said although the cost of free water was high, this was part of Selangor's agenda to provide for the people.
"The state spent RM1.1bil on the free water scheme between June 1, 2008 and December 31 last year," he said.
He also said that the people should do their utmost to avoid water wastage.
Azmin noted that the Malaysia's average water consumption of 232 litres per capita per day was "very high" compared to the 170 litres per capita per day recorded in Singapore.
"The usage also exceeds the limit recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 150 litres per capita per day.
"In a bid to encourage water conservation, the state government started a water campaign called Jom Jimat Air (Let's Save Water) last month," he said. staronline