Johor MB apologises for water cuts, announces 15pc rebate after five‑day disruption

JOHOR BAHRU, Nov 6 — Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has issued a public apology to the nearly 1.2 million residents affected by a five-day water disruption last week and announced a 15 per cent rebate on their October water bills as a gesture of goodwill.

The crisis began on Oct 31 after a ruptured sand-washing pond at a mine in Kota Tinggi caused severe turbidity pollution in the Johor River, forcing a temporary shutdown of water treatment plants. 

The disruption impacted over 292,000 user accounts across four districts in southern Johor.

"On behalf of the state government, I would like to apologise to all Johor residents affected," Onn Hafiz said in a statement. 

"The five-day disruption is no small matter; it affects the survival of the people and disrupts family, school, and business activities."

He said the 15 per cent rebate, which covers all domestic and non-domestic accounts, may not fully compensate for the hardship but is intended to ease the burden on those affected.

Onn Hafiz confirmed that water supply was fully restored as of 9pm yesterday, and that teams are now working to stabilise water pressure and resolve issues like airlocks in the system.

He also pledged that the state government would ensure action is taken against those responsible for the pollution.