High water users, businesses to pay more under Selangor's new tariffs starting Sept 1

By NST in August 1, 2025 – Reading time 4 minute

SHAH ALAM: The water tariff in Selangor will remain unchanged for domestic households consuming up to 20 cubic metres per month, with the rate maintained at 65 sen per cubic metre, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.

He said the minimum monthly charge of RM6.50 for domestic users would also remain unchanged, as this category had already seen a rate adjustment in February 2024.

However, higher water usage will be subject to new rates under a revised tariff structure that takes effect on Sept 1, 2025 for consumers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya — all of which are served by Air Selangor.

Households using between 20 and 35 cubic metres a month will see an increase of RM0.30 per cubic metre, bringing the rate to RM1.62 per cubic metre.

For those exceeding 35 cubic metres monthly — equivalent to 35,000 litres — the rate will increase by RM0.88 to RM3.51 per cubic metre for usage beyond the 35m³ threshold.

Amirudin said the new tariff is part of a broader adjustment approved by the Cabinet and set by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to help states strengthen their public water services.

“The state government holds the view that this tariff adjustment is necessary, as efforts to increase water reserves to 20 per cent by 2030 are crucial.

“It will also allow Air Selangor to replace over 1,600km of ageing asbestos pipes — some over 40 years old — across Selangor, at a rate of 300km per year starting this year,” he said in a statement today.

To ease the burden on low-income households, Amirudin said those living in low-cost housing would see the smallest rate increase among all domestic subcategories — RM0.10 per cubic metre, bringing the rate to RM1.18 per cubic metre.

Tariffs for condominiums, estates and government quarters will rise by RM0.41 to RM2.09 per cubic metre. The minimum bulk charge for condominiums will remain at RM173 per month, while the minimum charge for estates and government quarters will increase to RM20.90 monthly.

For commercial and non-domestic premises, the tariff will be aligned with the rate for high-usage domestic households, increasing by RM0.57 to RM3.51 per cubic metre. Usage exceeding 35 cubic metres will be charged at RM3.83 per cubic metre.

Amirudin said the state aims to balance revenue generation with affordability, ensuring that businesses are not excessively burdened.

In the shipping industry, the tariff will rise by RM0.93 to RM8.01 per cubic metre, reflecting increased water consumption in the sector.

Data centres will face a new tariff of RM5.31 per cubic metre, in line with a Cabinet decision. Amirudin noted that while such centres are vital to the digital economy, they can consume millions of litres of water per day for system cooling.

“While we support digital infrastructure, the government must also ensure water usage remains sustainable,” he said.

Meanwhile, places of worship and registered charitable institutions will continue to enjoy the lowest rate, with only a RM0.10 increase, bringing the charge to RM0.76 per cubic metre, to avoid disrupting their operations.

Amirudin said the adjustments are aimed at promoting more efficient and responsible water use, while maintaining essential services and long-term infrastructure sustainability.

Elaborating further, he said that since the last water tariff adjustment, Air Selangor has recorded several positive performance indicators, including an increase in the water reserve margin from 13.86 per cent in February 2024 to 16.74 per cent in June, ensuring the state is better prepared for weather changes such as droughts.

Air Selangor is the country’s largest water service provider, supplying water to Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, covering more than 2.77 million accounts, including domestic and commercial users.

Amirudin added that Air Selangor is currently developing several new water treatment plants in Rasau and Labohan Dagang 2, costing RM7.671 billion and RM479.52 million

respectively. These efforts are expected to increase the supply capacity of treated water by 2,730 million litres per day.

He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continue providing free water to over 1.3 million Selangor residents, covering 337,851 accounts under the Skim Air Darul Ehsan (Sade), valued at RM13 per household per month.

The state will also raise the household income eligibility limit for Sade recipients from RM5,000 to RM6,000 per month, to better assist those in need.

“In addition, the state government will bear the increased water supply charges for places of worship and charitable institutions, at an estimated cost of RM100,000 annually.

“The efforts to strengthen water services while protecting low-income groups from higher living costs will see the state government absorbing up to RM52.7 million,” he said. — BERNAMA

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