KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 — The government’s move to retain the 2 sen/kilowatt-hour(kWh) rebate for users with monthly electricity bills below RM220 will provide relief to the B40 group, who are grappling with the rising cost of living.
Most users are aware that the electricity tariff adjustment could not be avoided following the global rise in fuel prices, but the decision to continue with the rebate proved the Madani government’s concern for the welfare of the people.
Thirty-nine-year-old Amirul Azlan M. Tazan, who is from Kampung Pengkalan Ajal in Hulu Terengganu, Terengganu, is thankful because consumers with monthly electricity bills below RM220 like him can still enjoy the two-sen/kWh rebate, as usual.
“The electricity bill for my house, which is occupied by three people, my mother (65-year-old Kalsom Mohd), my son (seven-year-old Muhammad Aiman) and I, is around RM150 and RM200. So, based on the announcement, I can still enjoy the rebate,” he told Bernama today.
The Kuala Berang Religious Office security guard, who is also a single father, said the increase in the prices of goods and the cost of living is being felt by many and it has also forced him to run an ice cream business.
The Energy Commission (ST) had previously announced that 85 per cent or seven million domestic consumers in Peninsular Malaysia will not be affected by the electricity tariff adjustment for the January 1 to June 30, 2024 period, implemented under the Imbalance Cost Pass-Through (ICPT) mechanism.
This is following the government’s decision to maintain the rebate of 2 sen/kWh for users with a monthly electricity consumption of 600kWh and below.
Meanwhile, 41-year-old Zalina Tengah, the owner of a spa in Kampung Tasek, Wakaf Dua near Marang, Terengganu, said the government’s move to continue giving the rebate would benefit small entrepreneurs like her, who do not have a fixed income.
“Although my spa has electrical items that are often in use, like the air-conditioner and face steamer machine, her monthly electricity bill is only around RM100 to RM200.
“So, I am extremely grateful that the electricity tariff adjustment doesn’t affect me,” said Zalina, who is also taking prudent measures to save on electricity use, like only switching on the air-conditioner when there are customers in the spa.
Civil servant Sharlina Shahrom, 48, who is from Taman Hijrah, Kangar, Perlis, the adjustment and rebate have encouraged her to save on electricity usage as she currently pays between RM200 and RM375 per month.
“I plan to save on electricity usage by reducing the use of electrical items at home, like the air-conditioner, and only use one refrigerator as I currently also use a chiller,” said Sharlina, who lives with her five relatives.
Retiree Jarkani Mohd Saat, 72, from Kampung Paya, Beseri, Padang Besar, is also determined to cut down on using all five air-conditioning units at his home as his monthly electricity bill reaches between RM500 and RM600 a month.
“Every room has an air-conditioner. So, next year, I may limit their use to avoid paying more,” he said.
— Bernama
