No decision yet on extending electricity rebate to next year, says Takiyuddin

LANGKAWI (Bernama): The government has not decided on whether to continue the electricity rebate enjoyed by 9.44 million Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) consumers after Dec 31, 2021, says Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.

The Energy and Natural Resources Minister said the ministry has brought up the matter to be discussed at the Cabinet level but added that the decision depended on the financial capability of the government.

"If the government’s financial position allows the rebate, it may be continued. We will wait for the announcement at the tabling of Budget 2022 on whether it is approved by the Finance Ministry.

"We hope there is good news for the people,” he said at a media conference after the handing over a Letter of Intent for a solar initiative here Sunday (Oct 17).

He was asked whether the government intended to extend the two sen/ kWh electricity rebate enjoyed by consumers from July 1 to Dec 31.

In June, the government announced the electricity rebate involving an allocation of RM493mil through the Electricity Industry Fund to lighten the burden of the people effected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, commenting on illegal gold mining exposed by the Sabah Brigade of the General Operations Force (GOF) in Lahad Datu on Saturday (Oct 16), Takiyuddin said the ministry was still waiting for a detailed report.

He said the ministry viewed the matter seriously and described illegal mining as very dangerous and akin to stealing the country’s treasures.

"We do not encourage the activity and it could be fatal if the mine collapses.

"Besides that, it (gold) is the property of the government, mineral extraction is the government's right as it is a national treasure, so if it is done illegally then it is akin to theft," he said. - Bernama