Egyptian actor Tawfiq Abdel Hamid sparked widespread reactions on social media after appealing to the relevant authorities over a strange incident involving the water meter of his long-closed apartment in Alexandria, and being accused of using water illegally.

In a post shared on his Facebook account, Abdel Hamid expressed his frustration, saying: "To the Director of the Montazah Water Authority: I have paid water bills for a long time despite their high and unreasonable amounts, even though I did not visit the apartment. Yet I adhered to payment. Then I was surprised by the removal of the water meter, and later a fine of 20,000 EGP was issued against me on the claim of water theft."

"The apartment is closed"

He added, "The apartment has been closed for many years, and this can be verified through the electricity meter. I abandoned the apartment about 15 years ago after its condition changed and it was no longer as it used to be, in addition to my health circumstances."

The actor continued: "Now, if I go to my apartment after the meter was removed, I would be considered stealing water! I am 79 years old—stealing water? As the saying goes: if you steal, steal a camel."

In a later development, Abdel Hamid revealed that the Director of the Montazah Water Authority contacted him by phone and promised to resolve the issue soon.

It is worth noting that Tawfiq Abdel Hamid announced his retirement from acting in September 2023 due to his health condition.