By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 12: Michael Kong Feng Nian questioned Kuching Water Board’s (KWB) rationality in imposing commercial rates for the second and third floors of shoplots.
Kong, who is special assistant to Sarawak Democratic Action (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen, said because of this, since 2022, KWB has departed from the previous practice of imposing commercial rates only on the ground and first floors.
According to him, the change is deeply concerning, as the second and third floors are residential units holding residential titles.
“Even attempts by business owners to obtain licenses from local councils to use these floors for their commercial purposes face rejection.
“These units are designated as residential properties and that business operations are not permitted by local councils,” he said in a statement today.
Kong pointed out that when customers apply for water supply from KWB, they are required to fill out and sign a Water Supply Agreement (Perjanjian Bekalan Air), which the supply clearly states as ‘Domestic’, indicating domestic rates will be charged.
“In light of these concerns, I once again urge KWB to reconsider its decision to impose commercial rates on these residential floors.
“If KWB’s intention is purely on raising revenue, it should explore alternative avenues, such as addressing issues like non-revenue water, which is evident in the case of the leakage which has persisted since Jan 9, along Jalan Tun Jugah,” he added. — DayakDaily
