New electricity tariffs for 2022 to 2024 will not burden consumers, says Fomca

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations Chief Executive Officer, Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said, it is expected not to have any increase of the price due to the stable fuel prices.

He explained, although it will be announced that there will be an increase, it should not burden the rakyat as it will be supported by the Electricity Industry Fund (EIF).

"I think there will be no changes in electricity tariff because there is no rise in the fuel sources to produce energy and operational cost of the energy production. This is based on the current price of the fuel.

"Even if there is a rise, it will be supported through the government’s subsidy by EIF.

"So, the consumer will not be the one paying. In other words, it has been given the subsidy by the government,” he said to Sinar Harian.

On Sunday (Jan 9), the government will provide the guarantee for the new electricity tariff for 2022 to 2024 which will be announced by the government soon and will not be burdening the rakyat.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said, the government has already made the decision regarding the stipulation of the electricity tariff within the three year period.

Commenting further, Saravanan said, the electricity tariff should be maintained to help the rakyat who are affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other catastrophes such as floods and landslides.

"Usually when the electrical bill is on a rise, the price of other products will also increase.

"Consequently, if there is no price hike, the sellers will not take advantage of the price of other products. This will also help with the cost of living of the rakyat,” Saravanan said.

At the same time, he advised the rakyat not to take advantage of the situation, but to practice conserving energy at home.