PM denies 14pct electricity tariff hike claim

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has denied claims that the electricity tariff in Peninsular Malaysia will increase by 14 per cent starting July.

Anwar, who is finance minister, however, clarified that a tariff increase will still take place, but the exact rate will be determined only after a review.

“The decision (to raise the electricity tariff) is necessary due to capacity and price adjustments over a certain period,” he said at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia’s Chinese New Year celebration today.

“Regarding the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through, the electricity rate is not 14 per cent.

“Reviews are conducted every six months based on current prices. Therefore, I don’t think it will be burdensome or disadvantageous to the public.

Raymond Manuel

“We are open to feedback from various parties on the proposed tariff adjustment.

“However, it (the increase) is certainly not as stated. That’s why I just checked with (Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri) Zafrul (Abdul Aziz), in case I got the facts wrong.

“I think there was some confusion due to the way the announcements were made.”

Present were Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek.

On Dec 26, Tenaga Nasional Bhd said a new tariff schedule with a base tariff of 45.62 sen per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for Peninsular Malaysia under the Regulatory Period 4 has been proposed for a July 1 start.

During the Regulatory Period 3 from 2022 to last year, the base tariff was 39.95 se/kWh.

TNB said any tariff discrepancies from January to June 2025 will be covered through the Electricity Industry Fund. – NST