KUCHING: Members of the public here have mixed views of the government’s move to subsidise the cost of water for every household in Sarawak.
The subsidy, which costs the government RM40 million, covers the first RM5 of all monthly domestic water bill and will be effective by Jan 1 next year.
In a random survey carried out by New Sarawak Tribune, a cobbler Doc Rowmi, 43, welcomed the move but believed more could be done.
“I sincerely believe that it will slightly help to lessen the burden of the B40 group and enable them to allocate the RM5 to other needs and amenities.
“Any subsidy is good but it’s only RM5. I believe a higher amount will significantly help the B40 families, especially those with big families,” he said.
Anderson Seli, 26, a university graduate doing freelance work, said he disagreed with the effort.
“The RM5 subsidy which accounts for 11,300 litres of water can still be afforded by the general public as well as B40 groups.
“I think it is better if the government uses the RM40 million to provide accessible water to more rural areas and help the people who are still dependent on rivers and rain as their main sources of water,” he added.
A hawker in Samarahan, Nik Khairul Anwar Shah, 37, thinks the subsidy is a good start in helping the B40 group.
“Even though the amount of subsidy is low, we should understand that Sarawak is a big state and RM5 for every household here is a great amount of money.
“The subsidy shows the concern of the state government for the less fortunate B40 group,” he said.
Nik hopes to see an increase in the subsidy given and also more subsidies for different purposes.
According to civil servant Ratna Seri Dewi, 36, the subsidy can help lessen the burden and monthly commitments plaguing the B40 groups.
“I fully support the government’s effort in aiding the B40 group and the citizens of Sarawak as it will allow us to increase our expenditure on other household items and amenities,” she explained, adding that the subsidy would allow the B40 group to use more water.
Matdiah Ali, 47, a civil servant, acknowledges the benefit of the subsidy to her and her family.
“I believe if the amount is increased to RM10 a month, it will garner more support from the general public,” she said.
Ceasar Lambong, 25, a scholar, said, “The move is very much welcomed. However, there are still many citizens in Sarawak with no access to clean water supply,” he said.
He added it would be much more meaningful to spend the funds for the subsidy on providing clean water and upgrading telecommunication facilities, especially in rural areas.
