IN response to our Hotline report headlined “Long wait for water meter refunds" published on Jan 21, a spokesperson for Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Syabas) clarifies that based on the company's standard procedure, water meter deposits will be refunded within 21 days provided that all the documents required for the submission are completed and in order.

"In this case, that means the application letter (Borang Penutupan Akaun dan Permohonan Pulangan Balik Cagaran) and the original copy of water deposit receipt or Statutory Declaration (only if the original receipt is lost)," she says.

"Initially, the developer of Mutiara Sentul Condominium in Jalan Sentul, Kuala Lumpur agreed to close its bulk meter account with Syabas on Dec 31, 2009. However, Syabas had also received an appeal from the condo's Joint Management Body (JMB) to postpone the closing of the account to enable them to collect deposits for the new water supply account."

The spokesperson says on Jan 18, this year, the bulk meter account was closed and a new account under JMB was opened.

"Syabas also decided to reduce the amount of deposit for the JMB after due deliberation. For the residents’ information, Syabas is currently expediting the water meter deposit refunds and will return the sums to the developer within the stipulated time frame."

"Syabas would like to thank the residents of Mutiara Sentul Condominium for highlighting the issue.

Nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to advise our consumers to contact us immediately via our toll free number 1-800-88-5252 or SMS by typing PUSPEL <space> <report, complaint or enquiry> and send to 39222 for any information or problem pertaining to water supply. Consumers can also log on to our Facebook and Twitter websites to get the latest information."