SG JOHOR POLLUTION: 292,158 CONSUMER ACCOUNTS TO RECEIVE 15 PCT REBATE - ONN HAFIZ

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- A total of 292,158 consumer accounts affected by the recent Sungai Johor pollution will receive a 15 per cent rebate on their October water bills, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the discount covers both domestic and non-domestic users, including residential homes, places of worship, business premises and welfare institutions.

He added that the assistance was aimed at easing the burden and acknowledging the patience of those affected.

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“I realise this assistance may not fully reflect the hardships endured, but I hope it will at least help ease the burden and provide some relief to those affected,” he said in a Facebook post today.

He said the state government also extended its apologies to the people over the incident, describing it as a serious matter that had affected livelihoods and disrupted family activities, as well as the operations of schools, hospitals and business premises.

He said the state government understands the concerns of the people and takes seriously every complaint and challenge faced during the disruption period and will ensure that appropriate action is taken against those responsible to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Meanwhile, Onn Hafiz said that although water supply had been fully restored at 9 pm last night, Ranhill SAJ field teams were still conducting comprehensive inspections at several locations to ensure stable water pressure and flow.

He also expressed his appreciation to all agencies and frontline personnel, including Ranhill SAJ staff who worked tirelessly, as well as to the people for their patience, cooperation and strong sense of solidarity throughout the disruption.

He said the state government will continue efforts to strengthen the water supply system to ensure that the rights of the people are always protected and their well-being safeguarded for the prosperity of the state.

State Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh was earlier quoted as saying that the incident affected 292,158 consumer accounts, involving nearly 1.17 million residents in Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru, Pontian, Gelang Patah and Kulai.

Last Friday, a sand-washing pond at the company’s land sand-mining site in the Kota Tinggi district had burst, contaminating Sungai Johor and its tributaries, which led to the closure of four water treatment plants in stages.

The incident also affected the livelihoods of more than 150 fishermen, including members of the Orang Asli community living along the upper reaches of Sungai Johor.

--BERNAMA

TAGS: pollution, Sungai Johor, Onn Hafiz Ghazi, rebate, bill, water

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