Why are Putatan condo residents refusing to pay RM120,000 water bill?

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Putatan Condo Residents Refuse to Pay RM120,000 Water Bill Due to Systemic Failures and Unfair Charges

Residents of Kingfisher Putatan Condominium (KFP) are refusing to settle a bill exceeding RM120,000 for water supplied by private tankers. This refusal stems from a prolonged 55-day water supply disruption experienced between April and May, during which the condominium's developer and management procured water. Residents discovered that the water delivered was treated by the State Water Department (JANS), the same entity responsible for the failed public supply, and were charged a significantly inflated rate of RM7.50 per cubic metre, RM6.20 higher than the standard tariff.
Water Supply Disruption and Emergency Procurement

The Kingfisher Putatan Condominium experienced a severe water shortage lasting 55 days, from April to May. During this extended outage, the condominium's developer, Hap Seng Land Development, and its management company, JCA Sdn Bhd, were compelled to arrange for water to be delivered via private tankers to meet the residents' essential needs. This emergency measure was undertaken to mitigate the impact of the complete lack of supply through the usual distribution channels.
Discovery of Water Source and Inflated Costs

Upon investigation, residents learned that the water being supplied by the private tankers was, in fact, treated water originating from the State Water Department (JANS). This meant they were paying a premium for water that was already processed by the state utility but had failed to reach their homes through the normal network. The cost for this delivered water was set at RM7.50 per cubic metre, a substantial increase from the standard tariff of RM1.30 per cubic metre, effectively adding RM6.20 per cubic metre to the logistical expenses.
Residents' Argument Against Payment

The residents argue that they should not be held financially responsible for a bill that arises from failures within the public water distribution system. Their contention is that the water supplied by tankers was already treated by JANS, and the additional charges primarily reflect increased transportation costs due to systemic shortcomings. They believe the government, as the primary entity responsible for ensuring reliable water access, should bear the burden of these failures rather than penalising consumers for logistical issues beyond their control.
Call for Government Accountability

Frustration among residents is high due to repeated water interruptions affecting sanitation, hygiene, and daily living, with concerns that prolonged issues could pose public health risks. They are demanding accountability from the authorities, asserting that the government has a legal and ethical duty to guarantee dependable access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure. Residents are urging for concrete actions from the relevant bodies to prevent future occurrences and are considering legal intervention if the issue remains unaddressed.

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Why are Putatan condo residents refusing to pay RM120,000 water bill?

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