GEORGE TOWN: Future hikes in the water tariff will be accompanied by punitive measures to discourage wastage.

Energy, Water and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Lim Keng Yaik, who said this yesterday, however made it clear that there was no plan to raise water charges at present.

"But in the event it happens, we will, for sure, want to punish those found wasting treated water," he said.

"I knew two years ago after taking over the ministry that we have been using too much water, especially in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where the highest level of water consumption was recorded."

"We should all stop wasting water."

"I knew two years ago after taking over the ministry that we have been using too much water, especially in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, where the highest level of water consumption was recorded."

Responding to the New Straits Times' fron page report on water wastage yesterday, Dr Lim said it was common knowledge that many people let their water taps run without any concern.

"This can be seen at restaurants, especially when they wash their dishes.

"You can see their taps flowing freely as if there is no tomorrow."

He was concerned as the amount of water used by Malaysians was twice that people in many developed countries.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), after conducting a study in Malaysia in 2003, recommended a daily average usage of about 100 litres per person.

But, according to the Global Environment Centre's (GEC) River Care Programme co-ordinator Dr K. Kalithasan, Malaysians are using about 500 litres per person daily.

Dr Lim said his ministry was funding an educational programme that it is jointly organising with the Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) to help make Malaysians responsible water users.

"The programme started last year, so I cannot tell you how successful it is at this moment."

"What we want is to change people's mind-set not to waste water."