According to the Barisan strategic communications team, Penang has already raised the water rates four times - in 2010, 2013, 2015 and had also doubled the state's raw water charges in 2016. Despite that, it allegedly applied to the Federal Water authorities in December 2016 for another round of broad-based water rates increase that would see a 77% increase for domestic consumers and a 58% increase for businesses by April 1, 2017. Barisan attributes the water rate hike to the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) that they say is losing money and had been given a RM30mil emergency loan by the Penang Chief Minister's office. The proposed broad-based water rates increase would give the state government an additional RM150 million per year in revenue. "There is a concern that after the 14th General Election, the Penang State Government will revive the earlier broad-based water rates increase to avoid losses at PBAPP," it said.

Source: The Star June 16, 2017 08:03 UTC