I WOULD like to refer to the policy of the new Selangor State Goverrment to give the first 20m³ of water free to the residents of Selangor. This clearly shows that they care.

To the so called experts and the rich who are against this policy, I would say that you are not being kind to the poor rakyat and the argument that a free 20m³ of water to the rakyat would lead to wastage does not hold water.

If we calculate the rate of this free water it comes to RM12.25 (according to domestic rate for Johor). In the case of Selangor, it may be slightly more or less.

The poor soul will not waste water because anything above 20m³ would mean that they have to pay. To the rich, this is peanuts.

During the British rule, the British Administration provided completely free water for their officials and troops. The new Selangor State Government provides up to 20m³ only but for the poor and the lower income group, this goes a long way.

To the newly elected Government, I hope the ministers draw up plans to help the rakyat and sincerely support whatever policy that helps the poor. The next thing that the Selangor State Government should do is to ensure that the water they supply is clean, or at least clean to the naked eye. In my State of Johor, the residents have been crying out loud for decades for clean water but nobody listens.

ZALKAPLI GHAFFAR,
Kluang.

Source: The Star – March 28, 2008