KUALA LUMPUR: There is a need to relook the country’s low water tariffs, with those who can afford it made to pay more.

A review is also needed to change water consumption habits, said Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

The Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister said prices had to be varied for different target groups.

“We need to make it more targeted. Maybe not in the next few months, but in the medium-term (future),” said Nik Nazmi.

“It (water tariffs) has to be driven by market pricing, at least for those who can afford to pay,” he said during the Concorde Club meeting on Monday.

The Concorde Club, led by Star Media Group adviser Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, is an informal group of editors and senior journalists who meet with politicians and key policy makers.

Nik Nazmi also said Putrajaya would be looking into the present policy of providing matching grants to assist water operators in states to reduce incidences of wastage or non-revenue water (NRW).

Currently, Nik Nazmi said matching grants were given to states such as Johor and Selangor for meeting annual NRW reduction targets.