GEORGE TOWN, June 28 — Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) will seek police assistance to prevent water meter thefts that have been increasing over the past two years.
A total 1,062 meters were stolen in the first half of this year, a marked increase from 940 meters for the whole of 2012.
PBAPP general manager Jaseni Maidinsa said more than 1,000 police reports were made in the first half of this year over the meter thefts.
“For every meter stolen, we lose about RM100 in terms of meter cost, water loss and repair costs,” he said.
The water meter thefts had only increased significantly since last year as in 2011 only 270 meters were stolen.
“This year, the hot spot for water meter thefts is central Seberang Perai where 884 cases were reported,” he said in a press statement issued yesterday.
Jaseni said PBAPP had met with senior police personnel on this issue last year and now they will meet with them to discuss it again.
“We will work with the police and the public to prevent meter thefts,” he added.
He urged scrap metal buyers not to buy stolen water meters or meters components.
Consumers can report water meter thefts to PBAPP by calling its 24-hour call centre at 04-509-6509.
