Government assures 85 per cent of consumers protected from power tariff hikes - Fadillah

PUTRAJAYA - The government has assured that electricity tariff protection will remain in place to ensure about 85 per cent of Malaysians are shielded from any impact, despite rising global energy costs expected to put pressure on prices and several economic sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (Petra), said domestic consumers using up to 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month would not be affected, although minor adjustments may apply to those exceeding the threshold.

"Our electricity cost structure guarantees that 85 per cent of the people will not be affected, and the government will maintain that protection,” he told reporters after attending Petra’s monthly assembly, here today.

Fadillah said any anticipated increase would not involve a blanket electricity tariff hike, but would instead stem from global supply disruptions that have driven up logistics and supply chain costs.

He said consumers using more than 600kWh per month might face slight adjustments.

"There may be increases involving certain industries or sectors, but we are still evaluating the overall impact,” he said.

Earlier in his speech, Fadillah said Malaysia was also feeling the effects of global supply chain uncertainty and supply crises, but stressed that the government remained committed to addressing the challenges through a pragmatic approach prioritising public welfare.

He said the government’s main focus was to ensure a stable supply of essential needs, protect the public from excessive cost-of-living pressures and strengthen the country’s long-term economic resilience.

"Various measures, including targeted assistance, price controls, stronger energy security and strategic cooperation between the government, industry and the people, are being and will continue to be implemented.

"What is important is that we face this crisis with a spirit of togetherness,” he said.

Fadillah also reminded Petra staff to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism in carrying out their duties to preserve public confidence in the ministry.

"The people’s trust in the ministry depends on how we work, make decisions and uphold the image of the public service,” he said. - BERNAMA