[Exclusive] Water theft cases almost double last year
National Water Services Commission officers inspecting an illegal water connection at a farm in Mantin, Nilai, last month. PIC BY AZRUL EDHAM
KUALA LUMPUR: The number of water theft cases almost doubled last year, costing water supply companies close to RM6 million in losses.
The amount brings the total losses caused by water theft to about RM29 million in just five years.
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Faizal Abdul Rahman said a record 229 water theft cases were recorded last year.
A total of 119 cases were reported in 2021 and 177 cases in 2020.
Only 217 of the cases last year were investigated as there was strong evidence for prosecution.
Seventy-one investigation papers were opened in 2020 and 75 in 2021.
Faizal attributed the rise in cases to the public's increased awareness of reporting unusual water use and the proactive and robust measures implemented by water providers in collaboration with SPAN's enforcement division.
He said offenders could face civil and legal action by SPAN under the Water Services Industry Act 2006, which provides for a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of no more than one year or both.
Faizal said premises making illegal connections included construction sites, industrial plants, such as cement factories, as well as livestock and vegetable farms.
Although the majority of water thefts took place in remote locations using underground connections, which made them difficult to detect, Faizal said the enforcement officers could still identify cases by comparing water bills between premises with a similar usage rate.
"For example, a factory that produces ice generally has high water usage, so it is illogical for them to have a low water bill.
"Additionally, we can also detect if the area has low water pressure, apart from public sharing of information," he added.
Faizal called on the public to report cases of water theft either via WhatsApp at 013-388 5000 or email [email protected].
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By Aliza Shah - February 12, 2023 @ 7:40am
